Monnickendam saved from the sledgehammer

The exhibition shows in words and images what the plans for urban renewal in the 1960s entailed and what leading role VOM played in preserving Monnickendam's original character.

All over the Netherlands, plans were made to renew cities after the Second World War for Reconstruction. Major plans were also developed for Monnickendam, with the central theme of promoting car traffic through the old town by means of breakthroughs, road widening and lots of parking space. During the 1960s, opposition to the sweeping redevelopment and zoning plans increased more and more. VOM played a decisive role in this. In 1970, the central government decided to grant Monnickendam the status of a protected townscape.

At the exhibition, an animation shows what implementation of the plans would have meant for the town. Video portraits of some of those involved, and a dozen wall signs showing the difference between then and now of specific places in the town, bring Monnickendam's urban planning history into focus. A history that exemplifies what has taken place in many smaller towns throughout the Netherlands in recent decades.

The exhibition will be on display until 26 October 2025. The address is Noordeinde 2 and the museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm. For more information, see www.despeeltoren.nl