Museum 1940-1945

About the museum

The Museum 1940–1945 foundation was established in 1986 to preserve a museum about the occupation and the resistance in the Dordrecht region. The city at the confluence of the Oude Maas and the Beneden Merwede was strategically important in 1940 because of its railway and road bridges and remained so until the liberation of the south in 1944/45 as a frontline city. The museum aims to keep the memory of those years alive and pass their lessons on to future generations.

The core of the collection is the private collection of K. P. Makkelie. Prince Bernhard opened the museum in June 1988 in an old house on the Nieuwe Haven, where it is still located today. The holdings have continued to grow since then through donations from the public.

On two floors, display cases and photo and poster walls show uniforms, rifles, handguns and everyday objects, as well as old bicycles, an original Willys Jeep and strategic models. Media stations and a film room document, among other things, the rise of the National Socialists, the occupation, persecution, resistance and liberation. A library of its own collects books, newspapers and pamphlets.

Highlights

• Uniforms, weapons and everyday objects from the occupation years
• Original Willys Jeep and historic bicycles
• Strategic models and a film room with footage of the Moerdijk bridges and the Biesbosch
• Own library with books, newspapers and pamphlets
• Children’s rally (Speurtocht) for young visitors

Permanent exhibition

• Dauerausstellung Dordrecht 1940–1945 – Uniforms, weapons, everyday objects, a Willys Jeep as well as models, film and photo material tell of occupation, persecution, resistance and liberation in the Dordrecht region.

Founded

1986

Operated by

Stichting Museum 1940-1945

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart, Veteranenpas, Defensiepas, Dordtpas and Rotterdampas; 50% discount with the Vrijwilligerspas.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: not available
• 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

There is no lift in the museum; the collection is spread over two floors.

Kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

For children there is a rally (Speurtocht) through the museum; the school programmes are aimed at grades 6 to 8 and secondary schools.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the centre of Dordrecht on the Nieuwe Haven and is easy to reach by car.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books on Dordrecht’s war history, including the series “Dordrecht 1939–1945”.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit