This weekend, Apeldoorn’s city centre will be all about culture, theatre and surprises. During THE OPENING on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, there will be special performances and acts to enjoy in the city centre. Today, a new artwork by street artist Frankey was also unveiled in the Grote Markthof. Alderman for Culture Peter Messerschmidt unveiled the artwork.
For the second year running, Theater in de Stad is bringing surprising and interactive street theatre to Apeldoorn. Whilst out shopping, visitors may just find themselves right in the middle of a performance. From unique puppets and musical acts to humour and surprising street art.
All performances are free of charge. The programme takes place at various venues across the city centre. This brings culture to residents and visitors, rather than it being confined to the theatre.
“The showering monkey really took us by surprise last year. He made a lot of people laugh, and in no time at all, many local residents and business owners had taken him to their hearts.”
During THE OPENING in 2025, a rather unusual piece of art attracted a great deal of attention: a monkey taking an unexpected shower in the pond at Berg en Bos City Park. The artwork by Streetart Frankey quickly became popular with local residents and business owners. After the summer, the monkey also appeared in various locations in the city centre.
After the winter, the temporary artwork disappeared from the pond. But the story of the monkey continued. Following the many positive reactions from local residents, the council asked Streetart Frankey to create a new, permanent artwork for the town centre.
Once again, the artist has chosen to depict a monkey taking a shower. This time, the monkey forms part of a water tap. The Grote Markthof has thus gained a striking new eye-catcher.
On Saturday afternoon, Peter Messerschmidt, the councillor for culture, unveiled the artwork together with the artist.
“The showering monkey really took us by surprise last year. He made a lot of people laugh, and in no time at all, many residents and business owners had taken him to their hearts. That’s why I’m delighted that Apeldoorn is today welcoming this new showering monkey as a resident of Apeldoorn. This time, he’ll have a permanent spot in our city centre, complete with a water tap. A fine example of how art can surprise the city, bring people together and make it a little cheerier..”
— Peter Messerschmidt, Councillor for Culture
The new monkey also fits in well with the Monkey Trail in the city centre. There, children can search for escaped monkeys, answer questions and explore various climbing features. The artwork was designed by Studio Frankey. It was created in collaboration with the ACEC Foundation and Apeldoorn City Council.
THE OPENING shows that culture can pop up anywhere in the city.
When: Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026
Where: Apeldoorn city centre, at various play areas
Theatre programme: theaterindestad.nl
Further information about THE OPENING: inapeldoorn.nl/deopening
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