FAQ
You will find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about Broken Circle/Spiral Hill, visiting and the terrain here.
Questions about visiting
When can I visit the site?
The artwork can only be visited on scheduled Open Days. Since it is located on private property, individual visits are currently not possible.
However, in 2025 and 2026, Land Art Contemporary and DIEP will organize a series of bus excursions to Broken Circle/Spiral Hill.
Each season, the site will be accessible during two weekends. To minimize the impact on the location, all visits will be conducted via bus excursions.
When do the open weekends in 2025 take place?
Spring:
Weekend 1: Saturday, April 19 + Sunday, April 20
Weekend 2: Saturday, May 10 + Sunday, May 11
Summer:
Weekend 3: Saturday, June 21 + Sunday, June 22
Weekend 4: Saturday, July 26 + Sunday, July 27
Autumn:
Weekend 5: OPEN MONUMENT DAY – Saturday, September 13 + Sunday, September 14 (still in development)
Weekend 6: Saturday, October 18 + Sunday, October 19
Open Weekends in 2026
Winter:
Weekend 7: Saturday, January 17 + Sunday, January 18
Weekend 8: Saturday, February 21 + Sunday, February 22
Where Does the Bus Depart From?
The excursions depart from Emmen Zuid Station.
Address: NW Amsterdamsestraat 100, 7827 NP Emmen
The bus departs at 2:00 PM and returns to the station around 4:00 PM.
Where can I buy a ticket?
Ticket sales will start soon. More information will follow as soon as possible.
Is the Museum Card valid?
No. Broken Circle/Spiral Hill is not part of a museum and the museumjaarkaart is therefore not valid.
How long does a visit to Broken Circle/Spiral HIll take?
A visit, including the bus ride, walking tour, audio tour, and film screening, lasts approximately 2 hours.
Is Broken Circle/Spiral Hill easily accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Broken Circle/Spiral Hill is unfortunately not easily accessible for people with reduced mobility or a reduced condition. Contact us so we can facilitate a visit that works with your needs.
Are there catering facilities on site?
There are no catering facilities on site.
Questions about the site
Is it safe to visit?
All visitors must take care on the site. There are steep inclines, and the ground can be muddy. The website outlines the ways that all visitors can be welcomed to the site, and provisions are in place for visitors with mobility issues.
Can I swim in the lake?
No. As a former mine the water can be dangerous.
What is the plan for redevelopment of the area?
We hope that the environment/area where the artwork is situated will be given a redevelopment that matches the artwork or is in line with Smithson's thoughts on 'reclamation' of post-industrial areas.
Can I hire the site?
No, it's not possible.
Questions about the artwork
Why does the artwork look different today from the time when Smithson made it?
The artwork is fifty years old, and over time the site has developed. Smithson was interested in his earthworks developing over time, just as the landscape develops over time.
Since February 2024, Broken Circle has been submerged due to high groundwater levels. As a result, it is not possible to enter Broken Circle. However, this part of the artwork remains visible from Spiral Hill.
Can the artwork be moved?
No. It is specific to this site.
Can I take pictures and videos?
Yes. Any reproduction of the images in print or digital material require an image license, be in touch with contact@holtsmithsonfoundation.org
How can I support the future?
Contact Holt/Smithson Foundation and Land Art Contemporary.
contact@holtsmithsonfoundation.org
info@landartcontemporary.com
"Ecology and industry are not one-way streets, rather they should be crossroads.
Art can help to provide the needed dialectic between them."
ROBERT SMITHSON
Reconstruction. Photo: Unknown (1972)
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Holt/Smithson Foundation and Land Art Contemporary, in cooperation with different parties, are working towards a sustainable future for Broken Circle/Spiral Hill in Emmen, The Netherlands.
Activities related to Broken Circle/Spiral Hill are financially supported by:
All artworks and images by Nancy Holt and Robert Smithson are copyright Holt/Smithson Foundation, licensed by VAGA at ARS, New York.
