Thousands of national monuments throughout the country can be visited again on Saturday and Sunday. During the 36th edition of Open Monuments Day, the public can once again become acquainted with Dutch cultural heritage. This year’s theme is ‘Sustainability lasts the longest’.
Visitors can take a look for free at monumental water towers, castles and old factories that fit in with the theme. Carpet factory De Gampel in Breda, for example, opens its doors to the public. The monument has been converted CO2-neutrally and the roof is covered with solar panels. You can also visit a monumental farm in the Brabant municipality of Oirschot. The agricultural heritage has been converted into a care home.
The organization also awards a prize in the context of sustainability. It goes to the water tower De Reusch in Schimmert, Limburg. According to the jury, the tower has “implemented sustainability down to the last detail”. For example, the electricity is generated by about 350 solar panels and materials are reused. The building is therefore energy neutral.
Last year the event attracted more than 850,000 visitors. About 4000 monuments were then open.