Netherlands Carillon, Bell tower in Arlington County, United States.
The Netherlands Carillon is a bell tower located in Arlington County near Arlington National Cemetery with an open steel framework. It houses 53 bronze bells of varying sizes that function together as a single large musical instrument.
The structure was gifted in 1952 by Queen Juliana of the Netherlands to President Truman in gratitude for American support during World War II. This present marked the beginning of a commemorative friendship between the two nations in the postwar era.
The bells feature emblems from different sectors of Dutch society such as art, science, and agriculture, enhanced by inscriptions from poet Ben van Eysselsteijn. Visitors notice these artistic details and their meanings while walking around the structure.
This structure sits on public grounds and is freely accessible for visitors to walk by anytime. Those interested in hearing live music should check ahead for concert schedules, which occur mainly during warmer months.
In 2022, three new bells were added to honor General George Marshall, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr. This addition recognized their influence on relations between the Netherlands and the United States.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
