The number of people who consciously experienced the Second World War and can speak about it from personal experience is dwindling. Don't worry. The Eyewitness museum in Beek (LB) will make *you* an eyewitness to the war.
From hobby to museum
Eyewitness is a private museum and an initiative of Wim Seelen. In 2008, he sold the family business, of which he was the third generation. Seelen spent the millions and the time thus released on his great interest: the Second World War. Plans for a museum slowly unfolded. After four years of preparation, the museum opened its doors in 2013.
Eyewitness account
As an entrepreneur, Seelen knew he had to get creative to stand out from the dozens of war museums in our country. He created the fictional character August Segel (1917-1945). Visitors to Eyewitness will hear and see in the museum the eyewitness account of this German paratrooper, which is based on real events. A special approach, as it shows the human side of the war, through the eyes of the ‘enemy’.
War comes to life
August takes you into his world and tells you his story through thirteen tableaux, featuring lifelike puppets, authentic uniforms from the NSB and SS among others, weaponry, and other memorabilia. The horrors of war, such as death and injury, raids, deportations, and concentration camps, are not shied away from. Visual and audio material is available for many of the tableaux. Letters to the home front written by August make the story even more vivid.
Salient detail
The museum is housed in the former official residence of Beek's mayor, Joop van Sonsbeeck, who resigned in 1941 due to principled objections to the German occupation. In 1944, he went into hiding, and towards the end of the war, several members of two SS divisions stayed in the building, reportedly including some high-ranking officers. A unique background for a war museum.
Practical Information
Eyewitness Beek is open from Tuesday to Friday between 10:00 and 17:00, and at weekends between 12:00 and 18:00. The standard admission price is €6 for children aged 4 to 12 years and €10 for everyone older.
Eyewitness is located at Maastrichterlaan 45 in Beek. There is a limited number of (free) parking spaces on the premises.
Read more here about Day trips met Adrem.
