With coronavirus restrictions ever changing, it's difficult to plan large group events. As of Sept. 25, the Oranje Hotel can accommodate 30 people for the introduction and film presentation by the museum staff. If prior to November 3, this group size must be changed back to 15 people as it was prior to Sept. 25, those members registered for the tour as of Sept. 25 will get priority.
The Oranjehotel was the nickname for the Scheveningen prison during the Second World War. Here, the Germans detained over 25,000 people for interrogation and prosecution. A diverse group from all corners of the Netherlands had broken German laws: mostly resistance fighters, but also Jews and Jehova’s Witnesses, as well as people who were detained due to an economic misdemeanour, like black market traders. Already during the war, the complex was called ‘Oranjehotel’. It was an ode to the resistance fighters who were locked up there.
Among the prisoners in the Oranjehotel were well-known people like the ‘Soldaat van Oranje’ (‘Soldier of Orange’) Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema, Rudolph Cleveringa, Titus Brandsma, George Maduro, Pim Boellaard, Henri Pieck, Heinz Polzer (Drs. P.) and Corrie ten Boom, but also countless others. Some were released; others were deported to other prisons or camps or executed on the nearby Waalsdorpervlakte. We tell their stories of fear, hope, faith and love for the fatherland here in the National Monument Oranjehotel. We show how vulnerable freedom really is, and which choices people make when injustice, repression and persecution control society.
**Please note that this will not be a Guided Tour, but registration is required. The group will meet at 1 p.m. for an introduction and a short film presented by museum staff; then there will be free time to wander the museum via audio guide. At 3 p.m. the group will gather for coffee and cake in the museum café and talk about what we have seen so far. Those interested in exploring the museum longer can continue to do so.
More details: https://www.oranjehotel.org/en/
Public Transportation: Bus 23 towards Scheveningen Noord, busstop Duinkerksestraat (short walk back to the entrance of the Oranjehotel)
Cost: €4.50 for group presentation. Entrance fee of €9.50 must be paid at the National Monument. Museum Card is not accepted.
Min/Max: 10/15 - maximum number of participants has been increased to 30 as of Sept. 25. There is a possibility that this number may be reduced back to 15 by November.
Registration/Cancellation Date: Oct. 27 (may register after this date if space is available)
Questions? Contact Jane Choy at jechoy@me.com
