Douanehuisje

This intimate little building from the 19th century provides space for artists and cultural organisations to hold exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and photographs.

A unique building in a very special place: A house with a view.

Once, ships were "cleared in and out” here in the customs house and the Nieuwe Waterweg was watched closely from a very favourable position on the jetty. Ships carrying vegetables from the Westland to England were checked there. Customs authorities had a good lookout post here.

We are talking about the Douanehuisje on the Govert van Wijnkade in Maassluis.

This Douanehuisje, built at the end of the nineteenth century has had various uses over the years. As mentioned, customs authorities controlled incoming and outgoing waterborne transport there. There were more of these types of small buildings in the Waterweg area, but the unique feature of the one in Maassluis is that it is made of stone. Other customs houses were made of wood. Of these, only one remains, located on the Parkkade in Rotterdam.

At a later stage, the Douanehuisje in Maassluis was used by the harbour master. The benches near the small house formed a meeting place for " loitering seniors", among others. Like any city that has "something to do with water", Maassluis was naturally also entitled to a bench you could lie on. Although passers-by were also able to enjoy the lovely view over the water there.

Nowadays, this can be regularly combined with a visit to a special exhibition, demo or other activity in the small house. For a number of years, the Municipality of Maassluis has made the intimate little building open to artists and cultural organisations. Exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, photos, as well as workshops have now been organised. Lots of things are possible there.

The Douanehuisje is set aside for a month. No costs are involved for the "residents". However, users are expected to see to it that one or more people are present in the house for a number of hours at least on Saturdays and Sundays to welcome visitors. This often yields enjoyable interactions between visitors and exhibitors.

On behalf of the municipality, the Culturele Raad (van) Maassluis (Cultural Council of Maassluis), is responsible for providing good and balanced programming.