Oranje Zuid: Passage Zuidpoort

The Passage Zuidpoort was designed in 1934 by architect Frans Mol from Breda. With the construction of this modern shopping arcade, Breda could measure up to other cities. The passage was opened in 1935 and has been preserved intact to this day.

Remarkable are the murals that Jan Strube made for the Passage. On the side of the Dr. Van Mierlostraat, under the coat of arms of Breda, three women symbolising prosperity. On the side of Ginnekenstraat, a ship named De Welvaart enters Breda. On the left is the population of Breda, on the right are the notables. The man with the roll of paper in his hand is the building contractor Van Poppel. In civil service costume, the then mayor Van Sonsbeeck, who is talking to a younger man: Frans Mol.

As an architect, Frans Mol was an important advocate for the preservation of historical beauty in Breda. For example, he was a member of the Committee for the Restoration of the Great Tower the Monuments Committee. Besides the fact that he erected many buildings in Breda, he was also responsible for the restoration of the Saint Joost Chapel on the Ginnekenstraat and the building next to the Grote Kerk in which the Café De Kleine Wereld is located today.