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The Roman Empire in SAND

The 2026 season is now open

Sand Sculptures

Enjoyment in Garderen

Come see for yourself and experience Europe’s largest sand sculpture exhibition, centered around the theme of the Roman Empire. In this unique retrospective exhibition, you’ll see the rise, heyday, and fall of the Roman Empire depicted in impressive sand sculptures, ranging from emperors and soldiers to daily life, the Roman influence in the Netherlands, and the Germanic Limes, which this year marks five years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thanks to the combination of education and entertainment, partnerships with leading museums, and authentic museum artifacts on loan, this is a unique and educational outing for people of all ages.

Combine your visit with a relaxing lunch or high tea at Lunchroom De Rozentuin. A day full of hospitality and quality—perfect for a pleasant and well-organized day out.

Theme 2026

The Roman Empire in Sand

In 2026, travel with us back to the time of gladiators, emperors and grandiose structures. Our new sand sculpture exhibition brings the Roman Empire to life with impressive sculptures and stories that make history tangible.

Learn more

2026 European Championship

Starting May 28, top artists from Europe will compete live in Garderen during the European Sand Sculpting Championship. Come see how blocks of sand are transformed into impressive scenes based on the theme: the Roman Empire. More information coming soon.

Discover it in Garderen

The sand sculptures are in a unique location, in the midst of the Sculpture Garden in Garderen. A day out for the whole family.

The Sculpture Garden
The Sculpture Garden
The Rose Garden
The Rose Garden
Sand Sculptures
Sand Sculptures

Opening hours

The Sand Sculptures will be open from March 19, 2026, until January 2, 2027, Monday through Saturday, with the exception of a few public holidays:

April 6 – Easter Monday, open from 1:00 p.m.
May 14 – Ascension Day, open from 1:00 p.m.
May 25 – Whit Monday, open from 1:00 p.m.
December 25 – Christmas Day, closed
December 26 – Boxing Day, closed
December 31 – New Year's Eve open until 4:00 p.m. (ticket office closes at 2:30 p.m.)
January 1, 2027 – New Year's Day closed
Monday
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Thursday
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sunday
Closed
Buy your tickets here