Experience history in words and pictures
The film in De Fabriek is no ordinary documentary: it is a thought-provoking experience. This 10-minute journey back through time will explain the origins of this area, how the windmills worked in bygone years, and which clever technologies are used today to keep our land dry. The struggle against the water is brought to life here.
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- Exhibition
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- Film
Discover the story behind the water
This exhibition explains how the inhabitants of Kinderdijk held back the floods, even as far back as 1640. You will learn why Kinderdijk is so important for animals and how the water management structure developed into our amazing system that has gained world-wide fame. It is perfect for inquisitive visitors of all ages.
Did you know they wore boots up to their armpits in Kinderdijk to stay dry?
A place with a history of its own
The tale of Secondary Pumping Station De Fabriek is unusual too: it was built in 1953 to help the large pumping station, Wisboom, keep the place dry during the extreme floods of that year, the North Sea Flood. Although there have been dikes in this area for many centuries, they could not always cope with extreme circumstances. In 1995, De Fabriek was decommissioned, but due to its historic value, it was rebuilt in 2019. The original outer building was preserved, but inside you can learn about contemporary ideas on water management.
