Welcome to this week’s edition of Wassenaar Weekly. Your source for local stories, events, and community news in English, brought to you by Wassenaarders.nl
National Steam Train Day returns on Ascension Day
On 14 May, steam trains across the Netherlands will come to life for National Steam Train Day. At Stoomtrein Katwijk Leiden, visitors can enjoy rides on historic steam locomotives through the Valkenburgse Meer area, including a stop near Wassenaar Wetering.
The museum, run by volunteers since 1970, has grown into one of the country’s leading narrow-gauge railway museums, featuring historic trains, a replica station building and interactive exhibits for children. Due to expected crowds, visitors are advised to reserve a time slot in advance.
Wassenaar commemorates victims of war
On 4 May, Wassenaar held its annual Remembrance Day ceremonies at several locations, including the monument at Schouwweg and Waalsdorpervlakte.
Mayor Leendert de Lange reflected on the impact of war, freedom and growing social division in his speech. He honoured local victims of the Second World War and stressed the importance of tolerance, dialogue and community spirit. Music association Excelsior accompanied the ceremony.
Louwman Museum celebrates 55 years of the Citroën SM
From 14 to 25 May, the Louwman Museum presents a special exhibition dedicated to the Citroën SM, one of the most iconic cars of the 1970s.
The exhibition includes rare models such as the presidential limousine used by French heads of state and the personal Citroën SM once driven by football legend Johan Cruijff during his time at FC Barcelona.
French “Peperbus” sculpture to be unveiled in village centre
A new landmark called the French Peperbus will be unveiled on 30 May in the renewed village centre of Wassenaar.
The event at Van Hogendorpstraat will include music, live art, children’s activities and the Puur Natuur Market. According to Centrum Management Wassenaar, the artwork is unique in the Netherlands and intended as a new eye-catcher for the shopping area.
Duinrell opens interactive attraction “Duinrell Drifter”
Duinrell amusement park has officially opened its new attraction, the Duinrell Drifter.
The ride allows visitors to control how much their vehicle drifts during the experience, adding an interactive element to the attraction. To celebrate the launch, Duinrell will organise a special endurance competition on 13 June inspired by the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
International artists highlighted at Galerie in de Molen
The international exhibition All Shapes of Spring continues at Galerie in de Molen, showcasing works by artists from the Philippines, Canada and the Netherlands.
The exhibition explores themes such as identity, nature, memory and cultural connection. Special attention is currently being given to artists with Filipino roots living abroad, as well as young emerging talent and artistic families working across generations.
The exhibition runs until 19 May and admission is free.
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