The presentation of the Vision and Atlas of the Atlantic Wall at the historic Schnellbootbunker in IJmuiden.

: 19 November 2024

Friday, November 15th, a special event was held at Cebo Holland: the presentation of the Vision and Atlas of the Atlantic Wall at the historic Schnellbootbunker in IJmuiden.

This impressive bunker, which houses Cebo Holland, was the perfect location for the event and provided visitors with a unique insight into an important part of history.

The Vision and Atlas of the Atlantic Wall were developed at the request of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) to highlight the significance of the Atlantic Wall, a German defense line from World War II, and to provide a better understanding of the interconnectedness of these historical fortifications. During the ceremony, copies of both the vision and the atlas were presented to the mayors of the municipalities of Veere, Bloemendaal, Beverwijk, and Velsen, as well as to representatives from Natuurmonumenten and the Bunkermuseum IJmuiden.

Following the presentation, a guided tour of the bunker was held, led by volunteers from the Bunkermuseum IJmuiden. Visitors were visibly impressed by the scale and historical significance of the bunker, as well as by how these World War II relics have gained new meaning in modern times. This former military structure not only illustrates the strategic importance of the port of IJmuiden during the war but also demonstrates how historical defense works can play a role in the present and future.

One aspect that was particularly appreciated was how Cebo Holland contributes to the preservation and repurposing of this heritage. The combination of a historic location with a modern function ensures that history remains alive and that future generations can learn from this unique site.

There were earlier plans to demolish part of the bunker, but thanks to the efforts of several organizations, the preservation of the bunker has been secured. After consultations with the municipality of Velsen, the Cultural Heritage Agency (RCE) has expressed its intention to designate the Schnellbootbunker as a national monument.

The decision to designate the bunker as a national monument underscores the significance of this site as a unique testimony to the German occupation in the Netherlands. As the largest bunker in the country, it is a valuable remnant of the large-scale defense works built during that time. By protecting the bunker, the story of World War II is preserved and can be passed on to future generations.

Image: Bunkermuseum IJmuiden.