Zwijsen Building: Center for Reflection and Prayer
The Zwijsen Building offers room for reflection and contemplation to students and staff at Tilburg University campus.
This center for reflection and prayer encourages introspection and thus wants to contribute to deeper awareness. A place where people can contemplate their own actions and thoughts, and where academics can show their non-academic side. Such a ‘quiet contemplation room’ has a qualitative addition to the university, without focusing on institutionalized belief systems. A low-threshold building that does not force any particular identity on its visitors, so that everyone can feel welcome. A building that offers a balance between silence and encounter. Reflection and debate by students and employees play an essential role in this. The diversity of visitors coming together generates special exchanges of views and ideas by students and staff members.
The Zwijsen Building is open on working days from 8:00 hrs. to 21:00 hrs. for Tilburg University students and staff. Free access.
Meetings and regular activities
Normally, the building is home to a variety of meetings organized by Studium Generale, as well as other departments and student organizations within the university.
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Zen meditation
On Monday nights, the evening is dedicated from 19:30 hours to zen meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. The meetings are temporarily in the Zonnelicht (meditation house in city center).
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Silent meditation
Every Tuesday and Thursday, there is an opportunity for group meditation at the Zwijsen Building at lunchtime.
More information -
Tilburg University Chaplaincy
The University Chaplaincy is there for all students, regardless of their background. Have a chat with the Student Chaplain Michiel or join one of our activities. Come and see!
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Workshop 'Free your mind'
At the Thursday evening 'Free your mind' meetings, we dwell on the moment. During various guided exercises, participants curiously explore what is actually going on.
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Muslim prayer
For Muslim students and -employees to say their daily prayers, there is a prayer room on the first floor of the Zwijsen Building.
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Religious student associations
he university has various student associations that regularly organize meetings with a religious and/or ethical theme.
More information
The Zwijsen Building
The Zwijsen Building, the iconic building at the heart of Tilburg University campus, opened on May 22nd, 1992 and was thoroughly renovated in 2014 into a more multifunctional building.
The building is named after Joannes Zwijsen, who in the middle of the 19th century played an important part in the emancipation of the – then still disadvantaged – Roman Catholic population in the Netherlands, especially by promoting the development of education and healthcare.
Multifunctional
Main room: quiet contemplation room & meetings
The main room (also 'quiet contemplation room') on the ground floor offers the opportunity to meditate or to pray, to read something, or just to sit in quiet contemplation. Every day, students, staff members and visitors to the university come to the Zwijsen Building to take some time for themselves.
It is also available for reflection and discussion meetings by students and/or staff within the university. We ask you to reserve in advance for this purpose. For making reservations: see Contact.
Two artworks can be seen by Marc Mulders (painter, watercolorist, photographer, and stained-glass artist).
Foyer
The foyer provides space to meet each other and have a quiet conversation.
Prayer room (Muslim)
A prayer room for Muslim students and -staff members to say their daily prayers is available on the first floor.
Contact
Would you like to know more about the Zwijsen Building or the activities that (can) take place there after reading this website, or would you like to schedule a meeting in the building (main hall)?
Contact: +31 (0)13- 466 3217 | zwijsenbuilding@tilburguniversity.edu
If the Zwijsen Building is closed, please contact the security department
+31 (0)13 466 3000 | safetysecurity@tilburguniversity.edu.