Fort Vijfhuizen, Military fort and art center in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
Fort Vijfhuizen is a military fort situated on an artificial hill surrounded by a moat in Haarlemmermeer. It forms part of the extensive Defense Line encircling Amsterdam and displays sturdy brick architecture.
The fort was built between 1889 and 1890 using sand from excavations at the IJmuiden sluice gates. It was designed as part of a major defensive system to protect the Dutch capital.
The fort now houses artist studios and functions as a contemporary art space where creative work happens daily. You can observe how artists have transformed the military structure into a working creative center.
The fort is open to visitors Thursday through Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain with hills and moats can be uneven and muddy after rain.
An American Ventura bomber crashed into the fort's moat in May 1943 during a bombing mission. This dramatic event remains a notable part of the site's World War II history.
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