Mariniersmuseum - Rotterdam - The Netherlands


Address: Wijnhaven 13, Rotterdam (See map)
Telephone: +31 (0)10-4129600
Website: http://www.mariniersmuseum.nl

Shop: shop present
Restaurant/refreshments: not available
Size of the museum/site: small
Year of visit: 2001

Overall rating:

Description: In case you want to know all about the history of the Dutch Marines you have to pay a visit to the "Mariniersmuseum". The population of Rotterdam has always been closely involved with the Marines, who have their headquarters and barracks (Van Ghent Kazerne) in this city.

This museum tells the 'highlights' of the Marine Corps, like their heavy resistance during the invasion of Rotterdam by the Germans in may 1940 and their presence in Indonesia during the "Politionele Acties" (aimed at regaining control of the Dutch East-Indies). Special attention is given to the "Bijzondere Bijstands Eenheid" (Special Forces). They're trained to intervene in terrorist actions, like in 1977 at De Punt when a train was hijacked by Moluccans. Another part of their job is to enter ships, which they have done during and after the Gulf War.

The Marines museum offers a lot of personal belongings, paintings, posters, films and a even a Willys Jeep on the second floor. Outside of the museum in the Wijnhaven lies the "Houtestein", a minesweeper, which you can visit.


Members of the "Bijzondere Bijstands Eenheid" (Special Support Force) at work.

Some personal belongings.

Minesweeper "Houtestein" lying in front of the museum.

Colours of the Dutch Marine Corps (Korps Mariniers).

Recruitment poster: "On land, at sea: the Marines".

Poster calling for resistance against the Dutch colonizer.

Detail of a scenery depicting marines in action in the early days.

Marine Corps recruitment poster.

Drum, trumpet and flag of the Marines.

Marines in their combat outfit.