Tickets for the lecture are sold out.

To mark the 80th anniversary of freedom in the Netherlands, we are organizing a lecture on April 29, 2025, about the history of De Haar Castle during World War II.

During the occupation, the Germans requisitioned no fewer than 400 estates and country homes in the Netherlands for a variety of purposes. Many were completely destroyed or sustained damage. De Haar Castle, however, emerged from the war miraculously unscathed. The Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family also escaped unscathed by evacuating in time.

Resistance Against the Occupiers

Curator Katrien Timmers and guide/historian Menno Schoonhoven will discuss how the castle and the estate weathered the war years, the roles played by the Van Zuylen van Nijevelt family and others involved, and how the castle was used during that period.

How did steward Hendrik de Greef resist the occupying forces, and what major role did he play in preserving the castle and the estate—including its contents? Where did the fabulously wealthy Jewish woman Hélène de Rothschild seek refuge? And how did ammunition end up in the castle ponds? Drawing on specific events and anecdotes, Katrien and Menno bring this period vividly to life.

Visitor information

The lecture will take place from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Restaurant Laverie on the Stalplein at De Haar Castle. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Price: €8.50, including parking and a cup of coffee or tea with a treat.

Tickets for the lecture are sold out.

Tickets for the lecture are sold out.

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