TRIS Museum
Volunteer-run museum in Zwijndrecht about the Dutch conscript force in Suriname 1945–1975, with military vehicles, uniforms and photos.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Between 1945 and 1975, around 20,000 young Dutch conscripts, often just 18 years old, were sent to the Troepenmacht in Suriname (TRIS). The force was meant to maintain peace and security in what was then a colony. Little is known about this period, even though many Dutch people have an uncle, neighbour or father who served there; about 50 soldiers did not return, mainly because of tropical diseases and accidents.
The foundation TRIS.KONTAKTEN, founded in 2003 by Ad van Wingerden, keeps the memory of military service in Suriname alive. It publishes the TRIS.BLAD four times a year, maintains memorials in Havelte and Paramaribo, organises meetings and annual trips to Suriname, and runs the museum in Zwijndrecht.
The TRIS Museum was opened at the 2013 New Year's reception; the exhibition rooms on the first and second floors of a large hall were designed and furnished by Fred van Stratum. On the ground floor are vehicles, including army jeeps and vans; upstairs, uniforms, hammocks, radios, photos and newspaper clippings show what life was like for the conscripts and what Suriname was like at that time. Reunions of former platoons also take place in the museum.
Highlights
- Army jeeps and vans of the TRIS on the ground floor
- Uniforms, hammocks, radios and photos from Suriname 1945–1975
- Run by volunteers of the TRIS.KONTAKTEN foundation
- Open every last Sunday of the month, coffee and tea included in the price
Permanent exhibition
- Dauerausstellung TRIS Museum – Vehicles, uniforms, radios, photos and newspaper clippings on the life of Dutch conscripts in Suriname 1945–1975.
- Founded
- 2013
- Operated by
- Stichting TRIS.KONTAKTEN
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3.50 |
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| Groups | –Reunions of former platoons can be organised at the museum (by arrangement). |
€3.50 per person including coffee or tea.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Parking on the museum's own grounds; in addition, plenty of free parking on the through road.
Entrance via the lane between Burgemeester de Bruïnelaan 134 and 140.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Coffee and tea are included in the admission price.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The TRIS vehicles can be seen at the museum every last Sunday of the month. The exhibition is housed in a hall with vehicles on the ground floor and rooms on the first and second floors. |
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