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Madurodam

Madurodam is a unique attraction, located in The Hague, Holland. It is a miniature amusement park, a replica of some world-famous structures, a charity fund and a monument to the war all in one.

Officially unveiled in 1952, it was established by Mrs B. Boon-van der Starp and Mr. and Mrs. J.M.L. Maduro.

Mrs. Boon-van der Starp was a representative of the Dutch Student Sanatorium, established in 1947 with the aim to support students inflicted with tuberculosis and help them stay in school. As the expenses were consistently high and the association sometimes found it hard to acquire financing, it was decided that a charity organization should be established. Thus Madurodam was modelled on the miniature town in Beaconsfield, England, which regularly made donations to charity organizations through the income it garnered from tourists.

Mr. and Mrs. Maduro had a son, who had died as a prisoner of war, and wished to erect a monument in his honour. They met Mrs. Boon-van der Starp and agreed to make a donation for constructing the miniature city as a monument to their son. S.J. Bouma, an architect who managed the Zuiderzee Museum at the time, designed the city. The Dutch town was developed according to a 1:25 scale, with the slogan "small town with a smile". The architect of Madurodam turned to many companies in different business sectors for financial support, and most were delighted to help out. Consequently a train station, an airport, a highway and a gas station were constructed. The project received political support as well, and the municipality granted a piece of land for the project.

Madurodam's design has not been modified for more than 50 years. It was enlarged in 1996 to include conference facilities and an exhibition venue. Madurodam also enjoys the blessing of the Dutch Royal Family. 14-year old Princess Beatrix was made its symbolic mayor prior to 1980, the year of her official coronation.

The Madurodam Support Fund traditionally gives its net profits to the Dutch Student Sanatorium. However, this fund closed in 1964, because tuberculosis was no longer such a painful problem for students in Holland. The miniature city maintains a Society for support, offering financial assistance to institutes in the sphere of culture. Madurodam is comprised of eight sections, offering a musical interpretation of the city. The first is the Reveille, where a flute and drum mark the beginning of each day. The Toy Soldiers incorporates a military parade. The main musical theme is that of Binnenhof. There are the Small Windmills, the sombre Intermezzo, conveying the night time atmosphere of Madurodam. Other parts are Westerkerk Church, Muiderslot Castle and of course the Grand Finale, featuring the melodious Binnenhof theme. The Madurodam is based on a wide variety of structures, such as trees, railways, bridges and windmills. It has used hundreds of models. Some noteworthy aspects are Madurodam beach, featuring a marina and a yacht, which is a replica of the one owned by Queen and former mayor Beatrix. The beach was completed in 1998.

Construction of the Rotterdam zoo began in 1988, but its design was completed almost 50 years earlier. The buildings boast some magnificent baroque and new-classical architecture. The mini-zoo spreads over 180 square metres. Forest Limburg is a landmark of natural beauty, completed in 1952. It commemorates the fighters, who lost their lives for Dutch freedom.

Some other important landmarks are the Cableway, Funfair, Rotterdam Golf Centre, Madurodam Football arena, and Tikibad swimming pool.

The terrain includes some magnificent castles, the best being Drakensteyn. It is another landmark associated with Queen Beatrix. The real castle dates back to the 17th century and is a major Dutch attraction. It has been property of the queen since 1959. It is her countryside residence today.

Some religious replicas worth noting are Grote Kerk church, Middelburg, the Portuguese Synagogue in Amsterdam, the Reformed church in Maasdijk, Westerkerk church in Amsterdam and Woord en Beeld kerkje, Allingawier.