Open Monument Day 2025 in the Municipality of Groningen – The Art of Observation

On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025, dozens of historic buildings in the municipality of Groningen will open their doors to the public free of charge during Open Monument Day. This year’s national theme is “The Art of Observation”. In Groningen, that means truly learning to observe heritage, architecture, color, history, and landscape.

Visitors can explore unique buildings – from churches and windmills to old farms, industrial heritage sites, and forts. The collaboration with Natuurmonumenten (Nature Monuments) brings together heritage and nature: many of the monuments are located in or near protected nature reserves. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience culture and landscape in one day.

What’s on during Open Monument Day Groningen?

• Guided tours and flash lectures: experts explain the use of color, restoration techniques, and the history of buildings, such as the Old Police Station in Groningen.
• Bike tours: explore monuments and nature during the Lime Kilns bike route or discover windmills in the Groningen countryside.
• Color route: discover how color and paintwork in monuments are researched and restored.
• Culture in the green: ZOZY in Woltersum and other initiatives combine art, heritage, and nature.
• Monuments by Natuurmonumenten: visit historic farms, estates, and nature reserves such as De Onlanden or Lauwersmeer.

Participating villages and neighborhoods in the municipality of Groningen

Participating locations include:

• Groningen (city)
• Haren
• Onnen
• Garmerwolde
• Thesinge
• Noordlaren
• Woltersum
• Ten Boer
• Lellens
• Ten Post

Open Monument Day Groningen Information Points

For visitor information, program booklets, and reservations, you can visit the following locations:

• Groningen City Hall, Grote Markt 1
  Saturday 13 September from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Milk Factory Garmerwolde, Dorpsweg 41
  Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Community Center De Tiehof Onnen, Bakkersweg 4
  Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Program and Reservations

The full program can be found on the official website:

www.openmonumentendag.nl/groningen

The program booklet will be available from Friday 22 August 2025 at:

• VVV/Groninger Store in Forum Groningen
• Groningen Municipality Desk, Gedempte Zuiderdiep 98

Note: For some activities, reservations are required. Make sure to book in time to avoid disappointment.

About the Open Monument Day Groningen Committee

The coordination of Open Monument Day in the municipality of Groningen is managed by the Groningen Committee. This committee consists of representatives from:

• Municipality of Groningen
• Groninger Archives
• Museum aan de A
• Open Monument Day Committee Ten Boer
• Foundation for Old Groningen Churches
• Historical Society Old Go (Haren)

Contact Information

📞 Phone: 06-50280732
📧 Email: info@openmonumentendag.nl
 

Finally: Come see and experience Groningen through new eyes

Open Monument Day 2025 in Groningen is a unique opportunity to view our past with fresh eyes – and see how it is still visible in today’s buildings, villages, and landscapes. Whether you're passionate about history, architecture, art, or nature: there’s something for everyone to discover this weekend.

See you on 13 and 14 September 2025!