Imagine being in a place where the echoes of a rich heritage reverberate — a place where history, charm, and adventure blend seamlessly into a one-of-a-kind experience. Picture visiting the BroekerVeiling Museum in Broek op Langedijk, which just happens to be home to the world’s oldest sail-through vegetable auction.
The magic begins the moment you walk in. It’s as if you’ve stepped back in time to 1887. This was the year that auctions were revolutionized in the United States. The system developed right here has now become the beating heart of all major auction houses worldwide. Isn’t that fascinating?
The historical auction building, proudly standing above its iconic moorings, will take you back in time. It is more than just historical relics; they are a testament to a period that shaped modern auctioneering.
This is not your typical museum; instead, it allows you to relive a specific moment in history. Have you ever tried your hand at bidding? This is your chance to bid on fresh produce at a live auction! Or how about taking a scenic boat ride and taking in the scenery? Set your senses free with an audio tour, feast your eyes on intriguing exhibitions, and fuel up at the quaint in-house restaurant.
Already picturing it? But hold on, there’s more! Order a picnic basket, make yourself at home in the beautiful orchard, and enjoy your meal in peace. Feel the past, not just see it!
Don’t just see the past; feel it!
BroekerVeiling, located near the vibrant city of Alkmaar, is ideal for a day trip with your loved ones (including younger children, but you will need to hang on to your children in case they try to swim in the water that runs through the building). Soak in the atmosphere, bid on a load of potatoes, and laugh at the absurdity of possibly going home with 65 kg of them!
When the day is done, retire to a nearby cozy hotel. Imagine returning from your adventure to plush comfort, reflecting on the day’s events, and realizing it was more than just a day out — it was a heart-warming memory unfolding in a timeless setting.
In the meantime, try your hand at bidding. The auction benches are waiting for you. Attend one of the scheduled auctions and take part in a time-honored tradition. Follow the auction timing and boat trip information provided during your museum entry.
Remember that if you delay your bid, someone else may steal the prize. Bid too soon, and you’ll end up paying more! But get the timing right, and you’ll win the prize.
Starting this Dutch adventure is like embarking on an exciting historical journey. The stories woven through time come alive in every corner, especially in the distinctive auction house, which is adorned with Jugendstil details and the original auction clock from 1903, which is still ticking away the minutes. What do you think of that for a hearty slice of history?
The BroekerVeiling was the heart of North Holland’s thriving horticulture until 1973. And now you have the opportunity to be a part of that unique legacy — if only for a day!
I’m not simply inviting you to the museum. I’m offering you an adventure — a unique blend of history, excitement, and authenticity that only the BroekerVeiling Museum can provide. So pack your bags and get into the groove of the legacy left behind by the vibrant Dutch auction culture. We’ll see you there!
Details:
- Visiting address: Museum BroekerVeiling, Museumweg 2, 1721 BW Broek op Langedijk
- Phone number: +31 (0)226 313 807
- Website: https://broekerveiling.nl/en/ (English)
- Opening hours: Please check the website!
At the time of writing this article, the opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 and 17:00 hrs. - Contact the museum online: For questions or more information, please send an email to info@broekerveiling.nl.
- Reservations: No reservations needed for visits as a small groups. Are you visiting the museum with a larger group, or do you want to rent a boat? Send an email to reservering@broekerveiling.nl.
Purchase your tickets at the ticket desk in the museum, or order museum tickets online
You can also plan your visit to Museum BroekerVeiling online: https://broekerveiling.nl/en/ (English)