New viewing route brings history of former Groot Bronswijk psychiatric hospital to life
Residents and history enthusiasts can now explore the legacy of Groot Bronswijk, a former psychiatric hospital in Wagenborgen, through a new viewing route and information panel. The initiative preserves the site’s 130-year history, which shaped the local community and employed generations of villagers.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bronsweg estate, Wagenborgen, Groningen |
| Duration of operation | 130 years (closed in 2004) |
| Peak patient capacity | 800–1,000 |
| Current features | Information panel, viewing windows, QR code for details |
| Exhibition opening | May 23, 2026, at Groot Bronswijk Historical Centre, De Ontmoeting |
| Opening hours | Every Saturday, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Organizers | Alderman Jan Menninga, Groot Bronswijk Historical Centre (Anne Koopmans) |
| Former affiliation | GGz Groningen (later Lentis) |
The municipality of Groningen and local historical organizations play a key role in preserving regional heritage, such as the former Groot Bronswijk site. These efforts ensure that the social and cultural impact of historical institutions remains accessible to the public.
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Information panel and viewing route opened at former Groot Bronswijk site
On Wednesday, March 25, Alderman Jan Menninga and Anne Koopmans of the Groot Bronswijk Historical Centre in Wagenborgen unveiled an information panel about Groot Bronswijk. By doing so, they also opened the viewing route, which provides glimpses into the history of the former Groot Bronswijk psychiatric hospital.
For 130 years, the psychiatric hospital Groot Bronswijk was located on the Bronsweg family estate. The institution was closely connected to the village of Wagenborgen. Many employees lived on the site, in the village, or in the immediate vicinity. For years, between 800 and 1,000 patients resided on the site. Changes in healthcare led to the final parts of Groot Bronswijk relocating to larger residential locations in the region in 2004. By then, Groot Bronswijk had already merged with GGz Groningen. The name GGz Groningen later changed to Lentis when care was also provided outside the province of Groningen.
A glimpse into the past
An information panel and various viewing windows have been placed around the former Groot Bronswijk site. The viewing windows show the past in the current surroundings. Information signs on the viewing windows provide further details about what can be seen. Additionally, more information is available via a QR code. Alderman Jan Menninga: “The Groot Bronswijk psychiatric hospital meant a great deal to the surrounding area. We want and need to reflect on that. That’s why it’s wonderful that we can keep and pass on this history alive through this viewing route.”
Exhibition at the Groot Bronswijk Historical Centre
For enthusiasts of the history of Groot Bronswijk, a visit to the Groot Bronswijk Historical Centre is also well worth it. Starting Saturday, May 23, the exhibition space of the Groot Bronswijk Historical Centre will again be open at De Ontmoeting, Hoofdweg 43, 9946 BJ Wagenborgen, next to the Petruskerk. The exhibition will then be open every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.