The Netherlands Open Air Museum (check Openluchtmuseum.nl) opened on 13 July 1918 at the De Waterberg estate near Arnhem. Initially showing buildings and items of up to 200 years old, currently even typical housing of the 1960s is included. If you are an historical architecture buff, or like to discover the Netherlands from the past on 44 hectares, than the museum is a great place to be.
Depicting the Westerstraat in Amsterdam in the 1960s. A classic street fire alarm, an advertisement column with newer feel good quotes by Arnhem-original Loesje, a DAF car, a bicycle and a café.
Farm house from Vierhouten, 1850. Since 1938 at the museum.
The blue rural building: Los Huus from Harreveld, mid 1800s. Moved to the museum in 1924.
The Mills
The Netherlands Open Air Museum is home to several historical mills that once were landmarks in their own lanscapes.
The Paltrok Mill. The oldest parts are from 1960, when it was still standing near Dordrecht. In 1854 it was moved to Numansdorp, and in 1928 the mill was put in place at the museum.
The Polder Mill from Noordlaren, 1862. Since 1960 at the museum.
Different angle on the Paltrok Mill.
The Castle Farm (Kasteelboerderij) from Oud-Beijerland. Parts of the house date back to 1617.
Circle tram line
A tram line encircles the entire park, making it easy to have a quick overview before stepping off and discover the areas in more detail on foot. The tram line is served by former vehicles from the Rotterdam public transport service RET. Like this one, one of 170 of a Dutch-built series that were active in the city from 1929 into the 1960s.
Wagenhuis from the Zaanstreek (replica built in 1975) and the 18th century bridge from Ouderkerk a/d Amstel. The bridge was moved to the museum in 1939.
Zaanstreek
The Zaanstreek is a real region in the Northwest of the Netherlands. Once, this was where much of the Dutch produce came from. It also used to be rich in mills, with about 600 of them operational during the height of times. The typical green wooden houses of the Zaanstreek are an eye-catcher. One can still experience them live, when visiting the area. In the Netherlands Open Air Museum village live is recreated with original historical buildings from that area, and new-built replicas.
Zuiderzee
The Zuiderzee (Southern Sea) used to be an inner sea of the Netherlands. Dammed to a lake from 1932, when the Afsluitdijk dam was finished. What became the IJsselmeer changed the culture of many of the villages and towns at the Southern Sea. Much of the history is kept in those villages, the Netherlands Open Air Museum offers a glimpse into the architectural gems of the past.
Ship wharf De Hoop from Marken, 1885. At the museum since 1948.
