On the weekend of September 12 and 13, countless historic sites throughout the Netherlands will once again open their doors. This year’s theme is: “Resilient Heritage” (in times of uncertainty).
What You Can Learn from a House
This topic is explored in the themed exhibition “Sustainability Through Ingenuity, ” which is currently on display at the museum house. The house has stood on Dordrecht’s Nieuwe Haven for over 300 years, but did you know that its interior and construction incorporate all sorts of ingenious features designed to conserve resources and reduce fuel consumption? In the current energy crisis, we can still learn a lot from this old-fashioned approach to sustainability! Discover more in the free brochure you can take with you as you tour the house.
The 18th and 19th Centuries: A Residential House
The house at Nieuwe Haven 29 was built in 1729 on the orders of Johan van Neurenberg, a wealthy councilman. In 1864, Simon van Gijn and his wife Cornelia Vriesendorp purchased the house. Van Gijn was an avid collector with a deep love of history. His collections, as well as the way he furnished the house, are of great historical value.
1925: Mr. Simon van Gijn Museum
After his death in 1922, he bequeathed his house and collections with the instruction that the house be converted into a museum. In 1925, the “Museum Mr. Simon van Gijn” opened its doors to the public. Although Van Gijn stipulated in his will that the interiors should remain as intact as possible, over time some rooms were repurposed and redesigned as exhibition spaces.
Discount During Open Monument Days
Visit this Dordrecht landmark all weekend with a 45% discount: full-price admission is 7.50 instead of 14 euros. As always, admission is completely free for visitors with discount cards such as the Museumkaart, Dordtpas, Rotterdampas, and VriendenLoterij VIP Card.
