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Arts and culture
Concerts, performances, exhibitions and workshops in music, dance and the performing arts — together with local artists, schools and choirs.
Opening summer 2026
An open house for arts, music, dance and gathering.
At Helmstraat 9 in IJmuiden, the Hanuman Cultural Center Netherlands opens its doors — in the carefully restored former Mennonite Vermaning.
Helmstraat 9, IJmuiden
Welcome to the neighbourhood
The centre is being opened by Stichting SGS Benelux, active in the Netherlands since 1992. We want to be an open house for the whole neighbourhood and for anyone who wishes to give or receive something here.
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Our four pillars
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Personal development
Yoga, meditation, lectures and circle conversations to help find calm, balance and direction. For young and old, beginners and experienced.
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Community
Neighbourhood meals, drop-in afternoons, children's activities, language cafés, a listening ear. A place to catch your breath.
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Spiritual heritage
A central statue of Hanuman forms the heart of the main hall. You do not have to believe anything, do anything, or pay anything to be here.
1905 — 2026
A building with a story
Constructed in 1905 for the Dutch Protestant Association, the building served as the Mennonite Vermaning of IJmuiden for just over a century from 1909. Its character is being preserved, in consultation with the Mennonite community and the neighbourhood.
Read the full history →— ॐ —
Who is Hanuman?
Hanuman is an ancient figure from the story tradition of India, best known from the epic the Ramayana. He stands for courage, humility, loyalty and selfless service — values that reach far beyond any single background or belief.
Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda
Musician, teacher and founder of the ashram in Mysuru (1966). Composer of more than 3,000 songs, 366 concerts in 32 countries, thirteen Guinness World Records. His work on Nāda Chikitsa — the healing power of music — is taught internationally.
“Music is my language. Music is my soul. Music is my expression.”
A proven model
Sri Swamiji has previously established similar centres in former church buildings in London 🇬🇧, Chicago 🇺🇸, New Jersey 🇺🇸, Washington DC 🇺🇸, Fremont 🇺🇸 and Melbourne 🇦🇺. In each case, the character of the building was respected and given a second life as a meeting place.
Open day for the neighbourhood
Saturday 27 June 2026
You are warmly invited for a guided tour, a short live music performance, vegetarian snacks and tea. With an information corner and a children's corner.