Poldermuseum Heerhugowaard

About the museum

The Poldermuseum is housed in the former polder pumping station on the Huygendijk, the southern ring dyke of the Heerhugowaard polders. The first part of the pumping station was built in 1877 on the spot where polder windmills had previously stood; two steam engines drove screw pumps. The building was enlarged from 1889, diesel engines replaced the steam engines in 1935, and electric motors were added in 1941. In 1994 the pumps, almost a hundred years old, were decommissioned because a new pumping station right next door took over the drainage.

The museum and its supporting foundation have existed since 1979: the polder board's former meeting room became the museum, and the foundation "Den Huygen Dijck" was established. In 1994 it took over the entire building, had it restored and refitted, with the pumps and engines remaining in place. In June 2018 the building reopened under the name "Het Oude Gemaal" after extensive renovation, now with a museum café.

The exhibition tells of the struggle with water in Holland's Noorderkwartier and especially of the creation of the Heerhugowaard polders. Visitors watch an information film, explore the history interactively, experience what steam power means with small steam engines, and learn how water management keeps our feet dry today. The building also serves as a concert venue, wedding location and conference venue; everything is run by volunteers.

Highlights

• 1877 pumping station as the museum building, with preserved pumps and engines
• Film and interactive exhibition on the creation of Heerhugowaard
• Working small steam engines to try out
• Explanation of water management: how do we keep our feet dry?
• Museum café and music stage in the pump hall

Permanent exhibitions

• Poldermuseum: Kampf gegen das Wasser – The exhibition shows step by step how land was laboriously reclaimed in Holland's Noorderkwartier and especially in Heerhugowaard.
• Das Schöpfwerk und die Dampfmaschinen – In the former pumping station, visitors experience the atmosphere of the industrial monument and small working steam engines.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Stichting Den Huygen Dijck

Admission & discounts

School groups pay a flat fee of €25 (up to 20 people) or €35 (up to 30 people). The proceeds go entirely to the museum; tours are given by volunteers.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 building is wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible toilet and a disabled parking space next to the building; visitors with mobility difficulties can get out right at the door. The exhibition room and museum café are not accessible for mobility scooters. A rollator is available, and an AED is on site.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Interactive museum with running little steam engines; school programme for primary schools as part of "Nederland, waterland".

Getting there & parking

The building is easy to reach by car.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Volunteer-run museum café with coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine; the proceeds benefit the museum.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Wedding venue, conference room and music stage in the pump hall; the museum café can also be reserved for group gatherings. Enquiries via the contact form.

Plan your visit