Stoomgemaal Vier Noorder Koggen, Steam-driven pumping station and science museum in Medemblik, Netherlands
Stoomgemaal Vier Noorder Koggen is a 19th-century steam pumping station in Medemblik that now operates as a museum displaying steam engines, industrial machinery, and naval artifacts. The building preserves its original layout and function, with machines that can still be seen in their historical setting.
The station was built in 1869 to replace the older windmills that previously regulated water in West-Friesland. It operated until 1975, when electric pumps took over that task.
The place shows how engineers moved water and protected land long before electricity was available. The machines and systems tell the story of generations of people who worked daily with these tools to keep their home from flooding.
A visit allows you to understand how these machines worked in their original setting, with demonstrations held regularly. Plan enough time to see both the exhibition and any active demonstrations that may be running.
The steam engines here can sometimes still be seen operating, showing how the mechanical systems actually moved water. This glimpse into real workings is rare to find in European museums.
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