Our foundation is dedicated to fostering artistic exchange and experimentation by providing a platform for artists, both from the Netherlands and abroad. Located in the center of Tilburg's Museum Quarter within our home and studio, our initiative transforms this private space into a temporary public venue for exhibitions, performances, and creative dialogue.
Our foundation is dedicated to fostering artistic exchange and experimentation by providing a platform for artists, both from the Netherlands and abroad. Located in the center of Tilburg's Museum Quarter within our home and studio, our initiative transforms this private space into a temporary public venue for exhibitions, performances, and creative dialogue.
Our foundation is dedicated to fostering artistic exchange and experimentation by providing a platform for artists, both from the Netherlands and abroad. Located in the center of Tilburg's Museum Quarter within our home and studio, our initiative transforms this private space into a temporary public venue for exhibitions, performances, and creative dialogue.
LEO XIII is located in Tilburg’s museum quarter, between De Pont Museum, the Textile Museum, and PARK. Be sure to check out their programs and combine your visit to our space with these other locations. All venues are within a 7-minute walk of each other.
LEO XIII is located in Tilburg’s museum quarter, between De Pont Museum, the Textile Museum, and PARK. Be sure to check out their programs and combine your visit to our space with these other locations. All venues are within a 7-minute walk of each other.
LEO XIII is located in Tilburg’s museum quarter, between De Pont Museum, the Textile Museum, and PARK. Be sure to check out their programs and combine your visit to our space with these other locations. All venues are within a 7-minute walk of each other.
In 1994, Frans Bedaux, then a lecturer in the Public Housing Department at Avans Hogeschool in Tilburg, commissioned his students to take the soon-to-be-demolished Leo School as a case study for possible repurposing into housing. The students concluded that the building's high ceilings made it unsuitable for conversion, but Frans saw potential for something else.
Through his daughter Leen, he connected with artists interested in the space, and in September 1994, a group of potential residents met. After securing a building permit, nine studio apartments were created. Tenants could purchase building materials for their kitchens and bathrooms by investing their hours into the building's shared facilities.
The project fostered a strong sense of community, with shared activities like skating on the playground in winter and gardening in the spring. Though tenants have changed over time, many of the original residents remain, and the foundation of LEO XIII is rooted in its communal spirit.
In 1994, Frans Bedaux, then a lecturer in the Public Housing Department at Avans Hogeschool in Tilburg, commissioned his students to take the soon-to-be-demolished Leo School as a case study for possible repurposing into housing. The students concluded that the building's high ceilings made it unsuitable for conversion, but Frans saw potential for something else.
Through his daughter Leen, he connected with artists interested in the space, and in September 1994, a group of potential residents met. After securing a building permit, nine studio apartments were created. Tenants could purchase building materials for their kitchens and bathrooms by investing their hours into the building's shared facilities.
The project fostered a strong sense of community, with shared activities like skating on the playground in winter and gardening in the spring. Though tenants have changed over time, many of the original residents remain, and the foundation of LEO XIII is rooted in its communal spirit.
In 1994, Frans Bedaux, then a lecturer in the Public Housing Department at Avans Hogeschool in Tilburg, commissioned his students to take the soon-to-be-demolished Leo School as a case study for possible repurposing into housing. The students concluded that the building's high ceilings made it unsuitable for conversion, but Frans saw potential for something else.
Through his daughter Leen, he connected with artists interested in the space, and in September 1994, a group of potential residents met. After securing a building permit, nine studio apartments were created. Tenants could purchase building materials for their kitchens and bathrooms by investing their hours into the building's shared facilities.
The project fostered a strong sense of community, with shared activities like skating on the playground in winter and gardening in the spring. Though tenants have changed over time, many of the original residents remain, and the foundation of LEO XIII is rooted in its communal spirit.
LEO XIII has a long history as an exhibition space, dating back to 1996. Over the past 29 years, the organization has undergone different phases and organized a wide range of programs—first under the moniker VDND (Van de Nieuwe Dingen), and later as the project space and residency Gastatelier Leo XIII.
Between them, VDND and Gastatelier Leo XIII have hosted more than 52 exhibitions and have provided a platform for numerous lectures, symposia, and other events. The annual Leoprijs supported seven recent graduates by awarding them a four-month residency in partnership with a writer or curator.
In 2021, the former artistic team of Gastatelier Leo XIII concluded their activities, leading to a two-year hiatus. In 2023, artists Jamie Kane and Mila Lanfermeijer took over the organization, dropping the term 'Gastatelier' and relaunching as LEO XIII.
The heart of LEO XIII lies in its communal history and the cultural activities of its residents. LEO XIII wouldn’t exist without them, and one of our main goals is to continue in their spirit.
Please check out previous shows in our Archive Section.
LEO XIII has a long history as an exhibition space, dating back to 1996. Over the past 29 years, the organization has undergone different phases and organized a wide range of programs—first under the moniker VDND (Van de Nieuwe Dingen), and later as the project space and residency Gastatelier Leo XIII.
Between them, VDND and Gastatelier Leo XIII have hosted more than 52 exhibitions and have provided a platform for numerous lectures, symposia, and other events. The annual Leoprijs supported seven recent graduates by awarding them a four-month residency in partnership with a writer or curator.
In 2021, the former artistic team of Gastatelier Leo XIII concluded their activities, leading to a two-year hiatus. In 2023, artists Jamie Kane and Mila Lanfermeijer took over the organization, dropping the term 'Gastatelier' and relaunching as LEO XIII.
The heart of LEO XIII lies in its communal history and the cultural activities of its residents. LEO XIII wouldn’t exist without them, and one of our main goals is to continue in their spirit.
Please check out previous shows in our Archive Section.
LEO XIII has a long history as an exhibition space, dating back to 1996. Over the past 29 years, the organization has undergone different phases and organized a wide range of programs—first under the moniker VDND (Van de Nieuwe Dingen), and later as the project space and residency Gastatelier Leo XIII.
Between them, VDND and Gastatelier Leo XIII have hosted more than 52 exhibitions and have provided a platform for numerous lectures, symposia, and other events. The annual Leoprijs supported seven recent graduates by awarding them a four-month residency in partnership with a writer or curator.
In 2021, the former artistic team of Gastatelier Leo XIII concluded their activities, leading to a two-year hiatus. In 2023, artists Jamie Kane and Mila Lanfermeijer took over the organization, dropping the term 'Gastatelier' and relaunching as LEO XIII.
The heart of LEO XIII lies in its communal history and the cultural activities of its residents. LEO XIII wouldn’t exist without them, and one of our main goals is to continue in their spirit.
Please check out previous shows in our Archive Section.
