Film & Exhibition

The informative film and exhibition at Secondary Pumping Station 'De Fabriek' take you through the history of Kinderdijk. Learn all about the region’s water management history.

1,000 Years of Water and Wind Power

Secondary Pumping Station ‘De Fabriek’ is the perfect place to experience the centuries-old battle against water up close. The film stimulates your senses and takes you on a journey through time. How did this unique landscape come to be? How did the windmills work in the past, and how do we keep the area dry today? Immerse yourself in this impressive experience.

Beyond the film, the permanent exhibition offers a fascinating look into Kinderdijk’s history. Discover how floods shaped the landscape, why Kinderdijk is an important breeding ground for birds, and how water management technology has evolved over the centuries.

De Fabriek is the ideal starting point for your visit to Kinderdijk. Step inside and experience this UNESCO World Heritage site in a way you won’t soon forget.

Background Information

This building has a remarkable story. The original pumping station was built in 1953 to support the Wisboom pumping station. Its additional capacity made the Overwaard windmills technically redundant—but they remained. Why? That remains a mystery, though some say a visit from Queen Juliana played a key role.

In 1995, the secondary pumping station was decommissioned and demolished. Only later was its historical significance recognized, leading to its reconstruction in 2019. The original building’s contours have been preserved, but inside, you’ll be taken on a journey through the extraordinary story of Kinderdijk.