Anyone visiting the Stads- en Commerciewerf on Vissersdijk in Zierikzee will immediately notice the passion with which people here work to preserve Zeeland’s maritime heritage. Volunteers restore historic ships, maintain old engines and are happy to tell visitors about the rich history of Zeeland’s waters. Every year, nearly 10,000 visitors find their way to the Museumhaven Zeeland.
The Museumhaven Zeeland Foundation was established in 1990 and is dedicated to preserving authentic types of vessels from the Delta region. With a fleet of historic vessels, a museum at the shipyard and a unique collection of ships in the Oude Haven, the foundation forms an important link in Zeeland’s cultural heritage. More than forty volunteers contribute to this on a daily basis.
Bringing heritage closer to the public
A key principle of the Museum Harbour is that heritage must be visible and accessible. That is why both the shipyard and the museum harbour are freely accessible to visitors. The board believes it is important that restoration work does not take place behind closed doors, but is instead visible to residents and tourists. In this way, visitors can not only admire the ships, but also learn about the crafts and techniques required to preserve these historic vessels.
To further strengthen this public function, the foundation continually invests in the accessibility of its sites. The restoration of the floating jetties marked an important milestone in this regard.
A new impetus for the Museum Harbour
For many years, the floating jetty in front of the shipyard on Vissersdijk was in a poor state of repair. As a result, it was not always possible to provide visitors with safe access to the ships moored there. This was a shame, as it is precisely the opportunity to view the historic vessels up close that makes a visit to the Museum Harbour so special.
Thanks to the restoration and refurbishment of the jetties, this situation has now improved significantly. Visitors can once again safely admire the ships up close, gaining a much better appreciation of the craftsmanship, history and scale of these remarkable vessels.
Accessibility has also been improved in the Oude Haven. The museum ships there are now more accessible, meaning that both locations together form an attractive and cohesive whole.
A richer experience for visitors
The refurbished jetties significantly enhance the Museum Harbour’s role as a visitor destination. Visitors can get closer to the collection, explore the historic ships and experience the atmosphere of a working museum harbour. The improved facilities also offer new opportunities for guided tours, educational activities and events.
The investment aligns seamlessly with the ambition of the Museumhaven Zeeland Foundation to make its collection visible and tangible to a wide audience. The numerous collaborations with other museums, heritage organisations and maritime partners in Zeeland and beyond also play an important role in this.
Volunteers as the driving force
The Museum Harbour can only exist thanks to the dedication of its volunteers. They restore ships, maintain engines, lead guided tours and welcome visitors. Their expertise and enthusiasm form the foundation of the organisation.
With over forty volunteers, the foundation has a wealth of knowledge and experience at its disposal. Their dedication ensures that historic ships are not only preserved, but can also remain in service and remain accessible to the public.
Ready for the future
The restoration of the floating jetties is more than just a practical improvement. The project has contributed to a more attractive maritime landscape along the Vissersdijk and the Oude Haven and strengthens the Museumhaven’s position as a key heritage site in Zeeland.
Together with the Stads- en Commerciewerf, the refurbished jetties form an inviting gateway to Zeeland’s sailing heritage. As a result, the Museum Harbour is better equipped than ever to fulfil its mission: to preserve, display and bring to life the maritime history of Zeeland.
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, sponsors, grant-awarding bodies and other stakeholders, visitors will be able to continue enjoying this unique collection of historic ships in the heart of Zierikzee for years to come.
The Hurgronje Family Fund has made a financial contribution towards the restoration of the jetties.
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