General Johannes van den Bosch laid the foundation for the Dutch welfare state in 1818. His answer to poverty: housing, labor, care, and education. The Koloniën van Weldadigheid were a social experiment of unprecedented scale, of which Veenhuizen is the most radical example.
In 2021, the Koloniën became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Administrators and policymakers recognize in the story of then the challenges of today. This makes this place unique as a source of inspiration for everyone working towards a just society.
10:00 AM: Reception at Museum De Proefkolonie in Frederiksoord
10:30 AM: Lecture Koloniën van Weldadigheid
11:00 AM: Visit to Museum De Proefkolonie
1:45 PM: Tour with the colony tram
2:45 PM: Departure to Veenhuizen
3:30 PM: Check-in at Bitter & Zoet
The story of Veenhuizen from the inside
The Colonies of Benevolence are a unique chapter of Dutch history: a nineteenth century experiment to fight poverty through labour, order and education. Sleeping here means sleeping inside that story.
During the inspiration trip we combine a stay in the former hospital with guided tours, conversations and visits to places that usually stay closed. Suitable for groups, teams and associations.
- Multi-day programme with stay and dinner
- Guided tour of Veenhuizen
- Tailored to your group
- Meeting rooms in the monument available
Also available for companies
Many organisations use this trip as an away day with substance: meetings in a monumental hall by day, the story of the Colony in the afternoon and dinner together in the evening.
Request a quote with your group size and preferred dates and we will propose a programme.