Open Monument Day 2023 in the Hanseatic cities

The genesis of Open Monument Day

On June 27, 1987, Open Monument Day took place for the first time. So a lot of years ago! It was inspired by a similar day in France and even then had the purpose of introducing the public to cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the event is no longer in its infancy and has grown into a two-day event: always on the second Saturday and Sunday of September. Moreover, more and more monuments open their doors to the public free of charge and attract more and more visitors!

And did you know that this day is also celebrated in other European countries? Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom, among others, have a similar day!

Living heritage: the theme of 2023

Whereas last year during Open Monument Day 2022 the theme was sustainability, this year living heritage will be highlighted. This is no coincidence, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Living heritage, also known as intangible heritage, is all about the people and stories behind the monuments. Who used the monument in the past? What were the customs and traditions? And what about now? Because living heritage, as the name suggests, is alive and well and constantly changing!

Open Monument Day in the Hanseatic Cities

Of course, the various Hanseatic cities are also participating in Open Monument Day 2023! Wondering what you can admire and experience in each city? We have listed it for you below.

Open Monuments Day 2023 in Elburg

In Elburg you will enjoy not two, but three days of all kinds of activities. From the largest botterevent of the Netherlands to a brocante market and from music to visiting monuments, you will experience it all from September 7 to 9 in Elburg! Keep an eye on the website for the full program.

Open Monument Day 2023 in Hattem

Hanseatic city Hattem will also open the doors of its monuments during Open Monument Day 2023. This will take place on Saturday, September 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information about the program will appear on the website in the near future!

Open Monument Day 2023 in Deventer

More than 45 monuments can be visited for free in Deventer on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September 2023. The exact program is not yet known, but in the city center there will be all kinds of things to admire for young and old!

Open Monument Day 2023 in Doesburg

Hanseatic city Doesburg does not stay behind and organizes on Saturday, September 9, all kinds of activities for the Open Monumentendag 2023. What exactly there is to experience is not yet known, the program will follow later.

Open Monument Day 2023 in Harderwijk

Harderwijk is also participating in Open Monument Day 2023 on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September. Large monuments and museums are open and at the Catharinakapel and Grote Kerk you will see all kinds of musical performances on Saturday, September 9. Please note that not all monuments will open their doors on Sunday, September 10. So check in advance if the monument you want to admire is open!

Open Monument Day 2023 in Hasselt

Hasselt is going big, by seeking cooperation with Genemuiden and Zwartsluis. In this way Comité Zwartewaterland wants to make Open Monumentendag 2023 a real success! Information about the program is not yet known.

Open Monument Day 2023 in Kampen

During the second weekend of September visit various monuments and museums in the inner city of Kampen and beyond for free. The program will follow later, but there is plenty to do for young and old!

Open Monument Day 2023 in Zutphen

Listening to music, taking a guided tour or viewing an exhibition? The choice is wide during Open Monument Day 2023 in Zutphen. In addition to these activities, you can also check out museums, churches and other special buildings on September 9 and 10, 2023. Want to know what else there is to do? The program will be on the website soon.

Open Monument Day 2023 in Zwolle

This year, for the first time, the national public opening of Open Monumentendag will take place in Zwolle. On Friday, September 8, it will be a big party in downtown Zwolle. You don't want to miss this grand opening!

Walking or cycling along the monuments in Zwolle? With two cycling routes and a walking route plotted for Open Monumentendag 2023, you can be sure not to miss a monument! Want to take a look at home? On the website you will find an overview of all monuments and you can view the interior of six monuments with a 360° tour!

So put the dates in your calendar, keep an eye on the websites of the various Hanseatic cities and feast your eyes on National Heritage Day 2023!