Flood Museum
Zeeland
The Flood Museum, known locally as the Watersnoodmuseum, is the Dutch national knowledge and remembrance center dedicated to the catastrophic North Sea flood of February 1, 1953. Located on the dike south of Ouwerkerk in Zeeland, the museum uniquely occupies four massive Phoenix caissons-large reinforced concrete structures originally designed during World War II but repurposed to close the last gap in the dike after the flood. Opened officially in 2001 and expanded in 2009, the museum offers a comprehensive narrative divided across the caissons: the factual background of the disaster, personal stories and emotional impact on survivors, the reconstruction efforts, and contemporary perspectives on water safety and living with water. Visitors encounter authentic historical footage, multimedia memorials including the poignant "1835+1" monument honoring victims, and exhibits showcasing relief efforts, dike repair machinery, and archival photographs. The museum serves not only as a memorial but also as a vital knowledge center, educating about flood risks and water management. Its designation as a National Monument and the ongoing involvement of volunteers underscore its cultural and historical significance in the Netherlands.
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Astuce: Visit during spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Purchase tickets online in advance to ensure entry and consider exploring the museum's multimedia exhibits thoroughly for a deeper understanding. The museum offers discounts for groups, seniors, and educational visits. Guided tours are available and recommended to fully appreciate the historical context and technical aspects of the caissons and flood defense.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum is housed in four Phoenix caissons originally built by the British during WWII for the Mulberry harbours but never used in the war.
- •These caissons were repurposed in November 1953 to close the last breach in the dike at Ouwerkerk after the flood.
- •The museum's multimedia monument '1835+1' commemorates all victims, including an unnamed baby born during the flood night.
- •The Flood Museum was awarded the Siletto Award in 2011 for its contribution to cultural heritage.
- •The surrounding area of the museum, including creeks and seawalls, is part of the National Monument honoring the 1953 flood.
Histoire
The Flood Museum originated after the 40th anniversary of the 1953 flood in 1993, when a volunteer group led by Ria Geluk and architect Evert Joosse initiated the museum project.
The museum opened in 2001 inside one of the four Phoenix caissons, which were used in November 1953 to close the dike breach at Ouwerkerk.
In 2003, the caissons and surrounding area were declared a National Monument.
Between 2008 and 2009, the museum expanded to include all four caissons, reopened by the Dutch Prime Minister.
In 2016, it was officially designated the National Knowledge and Memorial Centre for the 1953 flood, reflecting its evolving role in education and remembrance.
Guide du lieu
Caisson 1: Facts2001
This section presents the factual story of the 1953 flood disaster, including the initial emergency response such as temporary dike sealing with sandbags and rescue operations by hundreds of boats. It features historical footage from the Polygoon newsreel company, newspaper clippings, and books documenting the event.
Caisson 2: Emotions2001
Focused on the human impact, this caisson tells personal stories of victims and survivors, highlighted by the multimedia monument '1835+1' that honors the victims including an unnamed baby. It also displays names of all victims, photographs, and monuments from the affected region, as well as the vigorous community and international relief efforts.
Caisson 3: Reconstruction2009
This area covers the post-flood rebuilding efforts, showing machinery used for dike repairs, relief supplies, and a large model indicating all dike breaches during the flood. It illustrates the resilience and determination of the Dutch people in restoring their land.
Caisson 4: Living with Water2009
The final caisson looks to the future, educating visitors on modern water safety, flood prevention, and sustainable living with water. It serves as a knowledge center collecting global information on flooding and water management.
Contact
Téléphone: 0111 644 382
