Title: Netherlands Celebrates Open Monument Day with Free Access to Historical Sites, Including Amsterdam Archaeology Depot and Rotterdam Bomb Shelter
Amsterdam, Netherlands – This weekend, thousands of historical monuments across the Netherlands will be open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. Among the many sites welcoming visitors are the Amsterdam archaeology depot and a Cold War-era bomb shelter in Rotterdam, as part of the 38th edition of Open Monument Day.
On Saturday and Sunday, approximately 6,000 monuments will open their doors, free of charge, under the theme of Routes, networks, and connection. The event, which spans two days to accommodate more visitors, will feature a variety of activities, including exhibitions, tours, and musical performances.
In Amsterdam, visitors can descend into the Poentunnel, an underground passage beneath the Keizersgracht canal. Built in 1974 by ABN Amro, the tunnel connects two old bank buildings and is believed to be the only one of its kind in the city. The tunnel, which has been unused since 1999, offers a glimpse into the city’s architectural history.
The Amsterdam archaeology depot at Bornhout 8 is another highlight. The depot houses a vast collection of artifacts, from bricks and stone fragments to metal toys and soil samples. Depot manager Ron Tousain explained that these items serve as evidence for scientific research, offering insights into the city’s past, including the remains of cesspools that reveal the diets of past residents.
In Rotterdam, visitors can explore a nuclear fallout shelter built during the early days of the Cold War. The shelter, located on Westzeedijk, is one of 17 that the city had prepared in the 1950s. Capable of protecting 50 people against atomic, bacteriological, or chemical attacks for up to 48 hours, the site offers a stark reminder of the tense era.
The Hague will offer rides on approximately 30 historic trams, with the oldest dating back to 1905, as well as access to nearly 90 monuments, including the historic Kloosterkerk and the former United States embassy.
In Utrecht, the recently renovated Dom Tower will be open to the public, with various tours and explanations of the bell-ringing mechanisms.
Other notable sites include the former broadcasting studio of Radio Kootwijk in Gelderland, Heeswijk Castle in Noord-Brabant, and Fort Rammekens in Zeeland.
A full list of open monuments and activities can be found on the Open Monument Day organization’s website, providing a comprehensive guide for those looking to immerse themselves in the Netherlands’ cultural history.
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