On Wednesday, February 18, Kings Commissioner Arjen Gerritsen symbolically received the golden Open Monument Day key. Mayor Harald Bergmann of Schiedam, last years host of the VriendenLoterij Open Monument Day opening, handed over the key at Gemaal Wortman in Lelystad.
Schiedam hands over key to Flevoland
Mayor Harald Bergmann: “It is with great pleasure that I hand over the key to Flevoland, this years guest province of the national opening of Open Monument Day. For Schiedam, last years opening was one of the highlights of the anniversary year celebrating our 750th birthday. In a spectacular opening, we showed that our monuments are built to last. We wish the province of Flevoland a wonderful 40th anniversary and a fantastic opening.”
Flevoland welcomes Open Monument Day in anniversary year
Flevoland welcomes Open Monument Day in anniversary year Kings Commissioner Arjen Gerritsen looks forward to the festive opening: “We feel honored to take over the key from Schiedam. Our province is young but rich in stories, heritage, and pioneering spirit. I am proud that as the fastest growing province in the Netherlands, we do not forget the rich (heritage) past. That we may be the guest province of Open Monument Day in our 40th anniversary year makes it extra special. I invite everyone to come and see on Friday, September 11, discover our monuments and experience the stories of Flevoland together.”
Opening evening September 11
Flevoland is this years guest province for the opening of Open Monument Day. On Friday, September 11, the entire province kicks off the largest cultural event in the Netherlands. This happens with a spectacular opening show in Lelystad and illuminated monuments in every municipality, such as Kerkcentrum Goede Rede in Almere and the former peninsula Oud-Kraggenburg in the Noordoostpolder. In total, 7 monuments will be illuminated that evening, one in each municipality and one from the Water Board. Besides the lighting, there will also be a piece of culture to experience at each monument. Think of singing, dancing, and theater. Light and culture work together that evening to bring the story of the monument, the environment, and Flevoland to life. A sneak peek: Gemaal Wortman will be open that evening for a mystical show. More information about the program will follow later this spring!
Resilient heritage, in times of uncertainty
The theme of this edition of Open Monument Day is: Resilient heritage, in times of uncertainty. Our monuments have lasted for centuries and have protected us against external dangers, but today they themselves are under pressure: from the impact of climate change to the consequences of insufficient maintenance. Yet monuments show impressive resilience. They remind us that recovery, adaptation, and reinvention are always possible.
VriendenLoterij Open Monument Day on September 12 and 13
On Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, visitors can take a look behind the door of some 6,000 monuments throughout the Netherlands. Many of these are not open to the public during the year. In addition, various programs are organized in many cities, such as tours, routes, childrens activities, or guided tours.
Photography: Jurgen Huiskes