The Bridge of Vroenhoven

History
The museum originated in 2015 under the Vroenhoven bridge. This bridge was protected by a bunker. When the bridge was rebuilt, space was made underneath for a brasserie and a museum. The museum is a collaboration between Fort Eben-Emael and nv De Scheepvaart, which manages canals in Belgium.

Details
This museum tells the story of the beginning of World War II in Belgium. It mainly focuses on the 1940 German attack on this particular bridge and the area around it, including Fort Eben-Emael. In addition, the museum also covers the period during the German occupation and liberation.

Besides the section on World War II, there is also a section on inland navigation. Here you can learn more about canals, bridges, locks and inland navigation. This section is especially ideal for children so you can stay a little longer in the World War II section yourself if necessary.

Why visit
The museum is modern in design, with lots of touchscreens and video images in particular. The touchscreens are arranged so that you can choose from the overall story or click through to detailed information. A large screen projects atmospheric images about the German attack and occupation.

The inner part of the museum is similar in shape to the bunker above it. This gives you an idea of the bunker's size. A revolving model is set up in a display case, explaining exactly how the bunker was put together operationally.

Three parts of the museum require you to pass under a low subway. These are a virtual look inside the bunker, in a trench and in the memorial area. For the disabled, this can be a bit difficult to reach.

Location
The museum is located near Maastricht just across the border in Belgium. Nearby, the already mentioned Fort Eben-Emael is definitely worth a visit. Just north of Maastricht sits the also new Eyewitness Museum which opened in 2013. Both Beek and Vroenhoven are new museums that aim to convey history through good storylines and beautiful museum exhibits. The American Cemetery in Margraten is about a 20-minute drive away.

Of course, there are a lot of other things to visit in the region that have nothing to do with World War II. For example, consider GaiaZOO in Kerkrade, Snowworld in Landgraaf and Kinderstad in Heerlen. In Maastricht itself, you can visit the Maastricht Caves or visit the nearby Fort Sint Pieter on the Sint Pietersberg.

The museum also has a large brasserie where you have a great view of the Albert Canal.

The future
The museum was newly built in 2015, at the time of writing it has just opened. In the future, there will be more collaborations with Fort Eben-Emael, including combination tickets. Commemorations will take place during the May days in cooperation with the municipality of Riemst.

Photography is not allowed there.

For current visiting hours, please visit the website of the museum.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Jeroen Koppes, STIWOT (25-02-2015)
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze (1), Jeroen Koppes (2, 3, 4, 5)

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