Have you ever been to Museum Schokland? There you will discover Flevoland's world heritage in the Noordoostpolder. Something you really shouldn't miss!
Museum Schokland is located at Middelbuurt, on one of the last three residential terps of the former island of Schokland. The museum is housed in a collection of buildings around the Middelbuurt's historic church. The buildings are characteristic of the former Zuiderzee area. Many couples have already had their wedding celebrated in the iconic church.
The museum's indoor and outdoor exhibits depict the geology and archaeology of the Noordoostpolder, the island's origins and demise, the lives of the Schokker people and the reclamation of the Noordoostpolder.
Children can visit the museu...
Have you ever been to Museum Schokland? There you will discover Flevoland's world heritage in the Noordoostpolder. Something you really shouldn't miss!
Museum Schokland is located at Middelbuurt, on one of the last three residential terps of the former island of Schokland. The museum is housed in a collection of buildings around the Middelbuurt's historic church. The buildings are characteristic of the former Zuiderzee area. Many couples have already had their wedding celebrated in the iconic church.
The museum's indoor and outdoor exhibits depict the geology and archaeology of the Noordoostpolder, the island's origins and demise, the lives of the Schokker people and the reclamation of the Noordoostpolder.
In the museum, children can test their knowledge about ice age animals or take a close look at a pile worm. Or they can go to work as an archaeologist or dike builder. A special feature is the interactive sandbox, in which they can build their own landscape.
Permanent exhibition
Besides the permanent exhibition and the audiovisual presentations on the history of the Noordoostpolder area and the World Heritage Site of Schokland, Museum Schokland hosts several temporary exhibitions on historical, archaeological or geological topics throughout the year.
Archaeological top find in possession of Museum Schokland
In the 1980s and 1990s, extensive archaeological research took place near the former island of Schokland. During this, many wonderful finds from prehistoric times were made. Besides pottery and tools, skeletons, plough tracks and even house plans were found underground.
In 1984, a very special soil find saw the light of day. Human footprints over 4,000 years old were found. These somewhat mysterious remains of prehistoric man already caught the imagination at the time and attracted a lot of attention. Some were recovered and put on display for some time. They then came into private possession. This top find was recently donated to Museum Schokland and, after thorough conservation, is ready to be exhibited again. The footprints can be admired as showpieces in the museum's permanent presentation.
Schokland: a world heritage site
For centuries, Schokland lay as a fragile peat ridge in an often raging Zuiderzee. Sea level rise and storm surges repeatedly washed away parts of the island. Eventually, only a small, elongated strip of land remained. Now, Schokland is an island on dry land, which still 'rises' above the polder landscape. Not for nothing was this place awarded World Heritage status as the first Dutch monument. A sign of international recognition, but also a worthy symbol of the never-ending struggle of the Dutch against water.
Schokland was placed on the World Heritage List in 1995. It has nine national monuments, including five archaeological sites and one is a mixed archaeological and built monument.
The built national monuments include a lighthouse and a church building. In addition, hundreds of archaeological mounds, church remains, dike systems and other relics have been found. Moreover, at Schokland, remains of prehistoric and early-historic communities have also been found on peat land that was under permanent threat from the sea.
Experience culture and nature through sculptures and animations
Walking or cycling around the former island, you will experience a series of stories: former inhabitants tell you what life was like on Schokland in the Zuiderzee and you will learn all about the history of the inhabitants and the animals in this area. Two interactive stories can be discovered vai a QR code and the new 'house' on Terp de Zuidert. Sculptures telling the story of Schokland complete the experience of both the World Heritage Site and the nature reserve for walkers and cyclists. Children, finally, can learn the Schokker dance and play with a mushroom game. Entertainment for all ages, in other words.
Bus stop in front of the door and bicycles available
Museum Schokland can be reached by public transport. The stop 'Museum Schokland' of line 215 of bus company RRReis (Kampen Zuid - Urk v.v.) stops practically in front of the door. Ideal if you do not have a car or driving licence and it is too far for you to cycle to Schokland. Would you still like to explore the former island by bike? You can. There is a bicycle hub in the car park of Museum Schokland. Via the app of Deelfiets Nederland, you can reserve, unlock and pay for a bicycle.
