Ellert and Brammert Open Air Museum

Ellert and Brammert Open Air Museum

Drenthe

65/10090 min

Ellert and Brammert Open Air Museum, located in Schoonoord, Drenthe, is dedicated to showcasing the traditional way of life during the peat digging era in the region. Established in 1954 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Schoonoord and the construction of the Oranjekanaal, the museum began with the reconstruction of several plaggenhutten, typical sod houses built by seasonal workers in the 19th century. Over time, it expanded to include a variety of historical buildings such as houses, a Protestant church, a village prison, a hunebed (megalithic tomb), and a school interior, providing visitors with an immersive experience of rural Drenthe's cultural heritage. The museum is named after the local legend of two giants, Ellert and Brammert, who were said to have lived on the Ellertsveld heath about 400 years ago. Statues of these giants welcome visitors at the entrance, linking folklore with the historical exhibits. The museum operates largely through volunteer efforts and without government subsidies, offering additional attractions such as demonstrations of traditional crafts and seasonal events that celebrate local culture. Its authentic reconstructions and storytelling make it a unique destination for those interested in regional history and folklore.

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Astuce: Visit during special events like the Drentse Dag or the Reuzenfair for an enriched cultural experience. Consider attending the evening walk through the museum grounds offered occasionally for a magical atmosphere. Children can enjoy activities such as Easter egg hunts. Entry discounts are available for donors and accompanying adults. Booking ahead for popular events is recommended to secure a spot.

Faits intéressants

  • The museum is named after two giants from local legend, Ellert and Brammert, who were said to have terrorized the area around 400 years ago.
  • Two large statues of Ellert and Brammert stand at the museum entrance, welcoming visitors.
  • The museum began with reconstructed plaggenhutten, sod houses typical for seasonal peat workers in the 19th century.
  • The museum is run entirely by volunteers and receives no government subsidies.
  • The site includes a hunebed, a type of ancient megalithic tomb found in Drenthe.

Histoire

1954

The museum was founded in 1954 to celebrate Schoonoord's centenary and the construction of the Oranjekanaal (1853–1861).

It started by rebuilding plaggenhutten, typical 19th-century sod houses used by seasonal peat workers.

Due to popular interest, the museum expanded over the years to include additional historic structures and exhibits.

400

The site is named after the mythical giants Ellert and Brammert, figures from local folklore believed to have lived on the Ellertsveld heath about 400 years ago.

The museum has remained volunteer-run and operates without government subsidies.

Guide du lieu

1
Plaggenhutten (Sod Houses)19th century

Reconstructed traditional huts built from sod, representing the homes of 19th-century seasonal peat workers in Drenthe. These buildings offer insight into the harsh living conditions and resourcefulness of the era.

2
Protestant Church

A historic church building representing the religious life of rural Drenthe communities during the peat digging era.

3
Village Prison

A small jailhouse exemplifying local law enforcement in historical Drenthe villages.

4
Hunebed (Megalithic Tomb)Neolithic period

An ancient megalithic tomb typical of the Drenthe region, highlighting prehistoric cultural heritage.

5
School Interior

A preserved classroom interior showing educational practices and materials used in the past in rural Drenthe.

Contact

Téléphone: 0591 382 421

Map