Dozens of Groningen’s architectural and historic gems will open their doors next week as part of the Open Monument Day. Sites and properties usually closed to visitors, or which charge an entrance fee, will be available for viewing free of charge on September 10 and 11, 2022.
The Open Monument Day is co-ordinated by the Nederland Monumentenland Foundation with the help of local authorities, civic societies and heritage associations. The annual event celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Similar events are held elsewhere in Europe as part of European Heritage Days.
The theme this year is sustainability. Groningen strives to become the green frontrunner in the Netherlands and Europe. The monuments that will open their doors during the Open Monument Day have embraced sustainability in a number of ways: reusing and repurposing materials, increasing insulation, and improving water management.
Some buildings are being managed or have been restored in a sustainable way, such as the Town Hall on the Grote Markt. But there are also monuments that are used for a sustainable purpose, such as the Langelandster polder mill in Garmerwolde. Numerous activities dedicated to the green agenda and sustainability will be organized during the Open Monument Day, too.
Some other highlights this year include the historic Bart Art Box farm in Thesinge, Groningen’s San Salvatorkerk, and De Bovenrijge saw mill that was built in 1903 by a Ten Boer farmer. The complete list of the sites and events can be found here.
