Betuws Oorlogsmuseum "The Island" 1944-1945

About the museum

The museum is dedicated to the period between 18 September 1944 and 5 May 1945, when the Betuwe between the Rhine and the Waal became a combat zone. In this stretch of land, the "Island" between Arnhem and Nijmegen, soldiers from 16 nations fought; there were 132 aircraft crashes, and around 60,000 civilians had to be evacuated. The museum describes itself as perhaps the smallest war museum in the Netherlands, but probably one of the most personal.

It opened in April 1999 in Heteren. Its collection consists of uniforms, weapons, photographs and personal mementos donated over decades by veterans and residents of the Betuwe. Five dioramas show scenes of all 16 nations involved; another diorama commemorates the Dutch armed forces in May 1940 and the defence along the later Betuwe line. Changing displays complement the permanent show.

The visit is possible on your own or with a tour by volunteer guides. In the area around Heteren, several monuments commemorate the fighting, including memorial stones for the American 101st Airborne Division, British regiments on the dyke towards Driel and Polish paratroopers in Driel; Heteren also has a cemetery with Allied war graves.

Highlights

• Five dioramas of all 16 nations involved
• Uniforms, weapons and personal mementos of veterans and local residents
• Diorama of the Dutch armed forces in May 1940
• Tours by volunteer guides
• Monuments and war graves around Heteren

Permanent exhibitions

• Die Betuwe 1944–1945: Dioramen der 16 Nationen – Five dioramas show the soldiers of all nations involved in the fighting for the Betuwe, complemented by weapons, photographs and personal items.
• Niederländische Streitkräfte im Mai 1940 – Another diorama commemorates the Dutch soldiers in May 1940 and the defence of the Betuwe.

Founded

1999

Admission & discounts

Payment by cash or mobile only; no credit cards and no Museumkaart.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

The museum is accessible only with narrow wheelchairs up to a maximum width of 66 cm.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Address for navigation: O.L. Vrouwestraat 36, 6666 AL Heteren (municipality of Overbetuwe).

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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