Mourning & Celebrating

Mourning & Celebrating, a place in the Center where grief is allowed to be visible

From December 13 to 28, 2025, the Rouwen & Vieren greenhouse stood on Spuiplein in the city center. It was a temporary place that offered space for grief, loss, and remembrance. Not behind closed doors, but right in the middle of the city. Here, people could pause for a moment to reflect on what they had lost, in whatever form.

Mourning & Celebrating is an initiative stemming from a commitment to the city and its inhabitants. For Linda Koster That is precisely why this initiative fits within Nieuw70. She sees how residents of The Hague create something themselves that has meaning for others and contributes to the city. 'Whether it is a loved one, something physical, or something material. That actually doesn't matter at all. Everyone grieves in a different way.'

Proud of Mourning & Celebrating

Making grief visible in the public domain

Grief often takes place in the background. It is there, but usually remains invisible. Rouwen & Vieren breaks through this by making space for it in the public domain.

Initiator Madelon Postma emphasizes why that is important: 'It is a project to make grief more openly discussed in the public domain, because people tend to keep a great deal to themselves.'

Visitors could light a candle for someone they miss, or write a memory or something they are grateful for on a ribbon. In the last two weeks of the year, when the sense of loss is often felt more strongly, the greenhouse offers a place for reflection.

A warm place for people

Rouwen & Vieren has an effect on the people who visit, but also on passers-by. The greenhouse radiates peace and attentiveness and is supported by volunteers who welcome everyone. 'It is a kind of warm hug.'

Some people pop inside briefly and move on. Others stay longer and strike up a conversation with a volunteer. Even those passing by alone may experience something.

When you walk by, it gives comfort to see that you are not alone in your grief.

People sometimes come once, but there are also visitors who return multiple times. That shows how the initiative connects people.

Proud of what is created together

Rouwen & Vieren is made possible by a broad group of people. Volunteers of various ages and backgrounds, supported by sponsors and donors, work together to maintain this place. In this way, the fund remains open and accessible to anyone in need.

Linda and Madelon are visibly proud of that. 'I am super proud that we get to do this for young and old, and that this greenhouse belongs to no one and is for everyone. In this way, together we create a place for mourning and celebrating in The Hague.'

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