Holocaust Memorials - Monuments, Museums and Institutions in Commemoration of Nazi Victims

in detail

»War belongs in a museum« is the motto of the Dutch National Museum of War and Resistance in Overloon. Overloon is in a remote part of the Netherlands Province of North Brabant. Nevertheless, the Dutch Museum of War and Resistance stands on historical ground. In October 1944, a major battle between the German Forces and the Allies took place near the village of Overloon. Soon after the War, a museum was planned and officially opened on 25 May 1946 at the edge of the village where all the traces of the battle were still clearly evident.

In addition to the 14 hectare open air museum where tanks and military vehicles are also exhibited, the museum today has a large exhibition hall, a documentation centre and the building »The Shackle«, which is partly buried in a hill and which is dedicated to the history of the concentration camps.

 

As well as collecting and maintaining artefacts and machinery from the Second World War, the museum has assumed its main task of promoting ideas about peace. The museum offers film series and thematic exhibitions in addition to its permanent exhibition. Several monuments have been installed in the museum's park, among them a monument to commemorate forced labourers.

The National Museum of War and Resistance was built in Overloon. In October 1944, in the immediate vicinity, there was a major battle between the German Forces and the Allies. In the open air museum, which was established shortly after the War, visitors can view various military objects. The Documentation Centre exhibits include some on the Dutch resistance against the German occupiers. Since 1990, the museum has included a building dedicated to the history of the concentration camps and the history of fascism.

October 1944
Battle of Overloon.

25 May 1946
Opening of the museum.

1990
Opening of the building dedicated to the history of the concentration camps.

1996
Opening of the large exhibition building.