Radio Kootwijk, Former transmission station in Veluwe region, Netherlands.
Radio Kootwijk is a former wireless transmission station in the Veluwe region, with a main building that rises from sand drifts and heathlands in concrete Art Deco style. The structure features angular forms and geometric patterns typical of this architectural movement.
The station began operations in 1923, establishing the first wireless communication link between the Netherlands and the Dutch East Indies. This represented a major milestone in international telecommunications and colonial connections.
The former transmission complex now functions as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances that draw artists and culture enthusiasts throughout the year. This transformation shows how industrial spaces become gathering places for the community.
The site is accessible through guided tours that provide detailed information about the building's architecture and its role in communication history. It's helpful to check opening times in advance, as availability varies depending on cultural events and programming.
The building earned the nickname 'The Sphinx' due to its distinctive silhouette emerging from the sand dunes, resembling the ancient Egyptian monument. This comparison arose naturally among local observers and has persisted in regional memory.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
