Atlantikwall Centrum

About the museum

The museum is located in Huisduinen near Den Helder in a building erected in 1942 as an administrative building of the German navy (Kriegsmarine). Locally it was known as the "Casino" because it also served as an officers' mess. The neoclassical building belonged to the naval artillery depot; its architectural style recalls designs by Albert Speer, but there is no proof of this.

After the war, the army and navy used the complex until 1992; after that it stood empty and fell into disrepair. In 2009 a fire destroyed most of the building. The administration building, workshop and gatehouse have been a Rijksmonument since 1997; after many years of efforts to find a new use, the Atlantikwall Centrum opened here on 23 May 2019. The building is owned by the development company BOEi, and the museum is part of the Stelling Den Helder.

The interactive exhibition shows how Den Helder became part of the German defensive line, how the occupation changed everyday life, how old-town districts were demolished to create a clear field of fire, and how the city suffered from bombing. Further sections explain the Atlantic Wall from the North Cape to Biarritz and present ten accessible bunker sites in the Wadden Sea area; films and eyewitness accounts complement the display.

Highlights

• Former German administration building ("Casino") from 1942, Rijksmonument
• Interactive exhibition on the war in Den Helder
• Overview of the Atlantic Wall from the North Cape to Biarritz
• Ten bunker sites that can be explored in the Wadden Sea area
• Films and eyewitness accounts

Permanent exhibition

• Interaktive Ausstellung zum Atlantikwall und zu Den Helder im Krieg – Everyday life under occupation, destruction caused by bombing, espionage and reconstruction, plus an overview of the Atlantic Wall and the bunkers in the Wadden Sea area, with films and eyewitness accounts.

Founded

2019

Operated by

Stelling Den Helder

Admission & discounts

Prices as before the current closure. Groups can arrange visits on request.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the website, wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed in the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Playful school programme as a "spy" for older primary school classes; children under 4 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Easily reached by bicycle across the dunes; Fort Kijkduin is 500 metres away. The museum is located at the edge of the dunes; hiking and cycling routes lead from here through the Helderse Duinen.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The centre can be rented for gatherings and as a meeting room; enquiries to info@atlantikwallcentrum.nl.

Plan your visit