Stoomgemaal Halfweg

About the museum

The Stoomgemaal Halfweg was built in 1852, when, in the course of draining the Haarlemmermeer, the drainage of the Rijnland boezem (storage basin) also had to be secured. It was designed by P. Kock and J.A. Beijerinck; as a boezemgemaal it discharged excess water from ditches, lakes and ring canals. Originally a 100 hp steam engine operated; in 1888 two engines of 150 hp each (Begemann) replaced the old installation, and the scoop wheels were enlarged to 7.5 metres in diameter.

In 1923 the last major extension was carried out: a 500 hp steam engine by Stork of Hengelo and new water-tube boilers ensured that the scoop wheels moved 1,500 cubic metres of water per minute. The pumping station remained in operation like this until 1977, when a modern pumping station in the western Amsterdam port area took over. Because the old building stood in the way of the water supply, it was threatened with demolition; a group of technology and history enthusiasts prevented this. Since October 1983 the pumping station has been a Rijksmonument.

Today the Stichting Vrienden Stoomgemaal Halfweg keeps the plant running with volunteers. On steam days the boiler is fired with coal, the engine runs, and visitors see the engine room, the boiler house and the six huge scoop wheels. Alongside the original plant there are model and restored industrial steam engines. In 2024 the first phase of a major restoration of the engine building was completed.

Highlights

• The oldest and largest still-working scoop-wheel steam pumping station in the world
• 1923 Stork steam engine of 500 hp, coal-fired on steam days
• Six large scoop wheels moving 1,500 m³ of water per minute
• Model and restored industrial steam engines in operation
• Audio tour in Dutch and English, rally and steam diploma for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Originale Dampfanlage mit Maschinenraum und Schaufelrädern – The 500 hp steam engine of 1923, the boiler house and the six scoop wheels; everything in operation on steam days.
• Modell- und Industriedampfmaschinen – Alongside the original plant, restored industrial steam engines and models run on steam days.

Operated by

Stichting Vrienden Stoomgemaal Halfweg

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Mill and Pumping Station Day (May) and Open Monument Day (September)

Donors have free admission (2 adults and 2 children from a €30 donation). The Museumkaart is not valid. Payment by card only, no cash. Separate rates apply for groups, weddings and tours outside steam days (enquiry via form).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is largely accessible for people who are steady on their feet; the engine room is cramped, some passages are narrow, and a high step leads to the paddle-wheel housings, which is hard to reach for people with mobility limitations. There is no disabled parking space; on request by email a space in front of the entrance will be reserved. Dogs are not allowed on steam days (hot surfaces, running machines); certified assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

For children there is a rally, photo bingo, an exciting listening and viewing story ("Help, de kolen zijn gestolen!") and, on steam days, a steam diploma.

Getting there & parking

Not all navigation systems recognise Haarlemmermeerstraat 4; you can enter Haarlemmermeerstraat 21 as the destination.

Amenities & dining

Coffee, tea and other drinks are available at reception (digital payment only). Lunch or dinner is offered nearby: Brasserie Het Gemaal. The book "Halfweg onder Stoom" is available at the ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 100 guests.

Official wedding venue of the municipality of Haarlemmermeer; the boiler house holds up to 100 people and is suitable for receptions, meetings and corporate events; audio/video equipment and Wi-Fi are free of charge. Catering via external providers; group opening only outside steam days.

Plan your visit