Elisabethweeshuis, Historic orphanage in Culemborg, Netherlands.
The Elisabethweeshuis is a large building in Culemborg constructed with yellow and red brick facades that feature geometric patterns and round-arched windows throughout. The structure spreads across multiple wings and now houses a library and adult education center within its historic rooms.
The building was founded in 1560 by Elisabeth, Countess of Culemborg, to care for abandoned and needy children. After nearly 400 years of operating as an orphanage, it was transformed in the 20th century and serves different purposes today.
The name honors Elisabeth of Culemborg, the founder whose vision was to create a home for abandoned children in the region. Today, visitors can observe how the spaces reveal that children were not only housed here but also educated and trained in practical skills.
The location is easy to reach in Culemborg and sits on Herenstraat, where visitors can explore the library and education center today. It helps to check the opening hours of the individual facilities that share the building's spaces.
The building was the first specifically designed as an orphanage in the Netherlands rather than a converted monastery. This innovation set a new standard for dedicated childcare facilities in the region.
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