Flood Museum

The Watersnoodmuseum in Ouwerkerk on Schouwen-Duiveland is the national knowledge and memorial centre for the 1953 flood. It is housed in four concrete caissons that closed the last dike breach in 1953.

What can you expect at the Watersnoodmuseum?

• History: The caissons were designed by the British in the Second World War for the temporary Mulberry harbours. In November 1953 they closed the dike breach at Ouwerkerk. Volunteers started a museum in one caisson in 1997; since 2009 all four have been in use, and they have been a national monument since 2003.
• Exhibition: Each caisson has its own theme: the facts of the disaster night with newsreels, emotions and personal stories, the rebuilding, and the future of living with water, with an interactive game.
• Highlights: Highlights of the Watersnoodmuseum are:
  • The four Phoenix caissons themselves, linked by corridors.
  • The 1835+1 memorial with the names of all the victims.
  • A replica of a donated emergency house from the rebuilding years.

Practical information

• Facilities: There is a museum shop and parking, and the museum is wheelchair accessible. Brasserie Het Vijfde Caisson is next door.
• Ideal for: Moving for adults and older children. The museum won the Siletto Award in 2011.
• Surroundings: Combine your visit with Zierikzee or a trip along the Oosterschelde.

The Watersnoodmuseum makes the 1953 disaster tangible and shows how the Netherlands lives with water.

For information

Watersnoodmuseum
Weg van de Buitenlandse pers 5, Ouwerkerk
tel. +31 111 644 382 
web. Website