Mr. Derk Reneman, alderman of the municipality of Haarlemmermeer, has commercial plans for the Fort. After 16 months of negotiations by the CRASH board it became clear that the Crash museum will not last in the Fort at Aalsmeer in Aalsmeerderbrug. CRASH forced to leave the Fort near Aalsmeer
In the 10th year that our museum is located in the Fort, the CRASH Air War and Resistance Museum ’40 -’45 is known at this location in the Netherlands as well as worldwide. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage monument as part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. This location is generally referred to as the best fitting place for the museum. That is why the upcoming move is a sad outcome.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2018, there was a meeting in the Fort for the museum volunteers. Alderman Reneman was invited and gave an explanation about his plans. The conclusion is that anyhow CRASH has to leave because the Fort is to be renovated and consecutively put up for sale. CRASH does not fit in the vision of the municipality..
Although there has been intensive consultation with Mr. Reneman by the CRASH Board of Governors in order to come to a joint solution ensuring the housing of the museum at the current location the discussions have not been successful. CRASH prefers to stay in the Fort where the atmosphere and culture-historical awareness of the museum and also the fort can be told in unison. It is an appropriate environment and the appearance of the location already breathes a historic atmosphere. Since 2008, the museum has expanded enormously to continue to tell the story of the Second World War and, in particular, of the Haarlemmermeer, the region and the Netherlands.
Moving is now forced upon the museum and the closing date of the doors of the museum in the Fort is imminent.
Currently there is an inventory going on and discussions are taking place for a (temporary) location in Nieuw-Vennep. At the time of this press release, there is no definitive move to this location yet. We will keep you informed through our usual “channels”.
In the 27-years of existence of the CRASH foundation, a third move is coming in the near future. Anyhow CRASH prefers to stay in the Fort and to expand or discuss options to further improve the appeal of the Fort. However, the alderman retains his point of view.