Bezoekerscentrum De Grote Rivieren

About the museum

The Bezoekerscentrum De Grote Rivieren in Heerewaarden arose from the decline of river fishing. The village once had a large fishing fleet, still 38 boats in 1952, but interventions in the rivers and a changed water regime ended fishing in the mid-1950s. Residents then began collecting objects related to river fishing, and in 1971 a first exhibition took place. At first a fishing museum was envisaged.

The concept soon broadened and asked about the human influence on the environment. In 1986 the centre was officially opened, and in 1997 it received its present name and the additional task of nature and environmental education. In the garden stands a fishing boat, a "Schokker", along with nets, winches, a tanner's hut, a small tower with a view of the Maas and Waal, aquariums with river fish and exhibition sections on the brick industry, which was an important branch of the economy in the region.

Today the centre provides information on the landscape, nature and history of the river area, with the themes of fishing, brick industry, water, nature and landscape, and forts. For children there is a climate lab and a Waterlab; for schools in the municipalities of Maasdriel, Zaltbommel and West Maas en Waal it offers teaching materials, centre lessons and guided tours. The centre is run by volunteers; the terrace and catering area are freely accessible, and rooms can be rented for meetings and celebrations.

Highlights

• Fishing boat (Schokker) in the garden and exhibition on river fishing
• Brick industry: make your own bricks from river clay
• Aquariums with river fish and an observation tower over the Maas and Waal
• Climate lab and Waterlab for children aged 4 to 14
• Themes of water, nature and landscape as well as forts in the surrounding area

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellungen zu Fischerei, Ziegelei, Wasser, Natur und Forts – The thematic areas show the life and work of the fishermen, the making of bricks, water, the nature of the river floodplains and the forts in the surrounding area.

Founded

1986

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Sunday opening in summer 2026 (3 May to 27 September): free admission

Donors pay half price. The catering area and terrace can be accessed free of charge. Card payment possible.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Climate lab and Waterlab for children aged 4 to 14 with experiments on water and climate, shaping your own bricks from river clay, and an outdoor "Waterontdekplek" (water discovery area). On Sundays in summer there are activities for young and old.

Getting there & parking

Directions from the A2: exit Zaltbommel, then follow the N322 towards Nijmegen; from the A15: exit Leeuwen, then follow the N322 towards Zaltbommel.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Catering area and terrace with coffee and tea, freely accessible.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Meeting room for about 20 people with Wi-Fi, projector, screen, flipchart and sound system; also the Große Halle (large hall) and canteen. 2026 prices for companies per part of the day: Vergaderzaal (meeting room) €100, Große Halle €250, canteen €75 (associations €50/€100/€50). Events must be combined with a group tour or excursion.

Plan your visit