A story of human courage, compassion, endurance and resilience
During the Second World War, the Breeplein Church in Rotterdam South harboured a secret: three Jewish families were in hiding in the two attics high on both sides of the organ. What began, in their mind, as a temporary shelter for six weeks became a refuge for three years. The story of the Breeplein Church is one of courage, hope and trust, a story full of wonders… the birth of a perfectly healthy baby, and, during a raid three weeks before the liberation, the fact that the families were not discovered.
Curious about the full story? Read the book The Organ Attics – People in hiding in the Breeplein Church in Rotterdam, written by Anja Matser.
Rotterdam, 24 August 2022
Guided tours in the first half of 2023
Tour booking is now open
The guided tours follow a fixed pattern. After the welcome, the guide presents the story of the three Jewish couples who, during the Second World War, were in hiding for more than a thousand days, high in the attics on both sides of the organ of the Breeplein Church. The families of the sexton and the pastor took care of them, assisted by many others. Everyone involved survived the war.
Up the ladder
Accompanied by the assistant guides, the presentation is followed by a walk through and around the church, including climbing the ladder to one of the attics (for those who can do this).
Extra options for school classes and student groups
We now have four new guides to lead the tours! This enables school classes and student groups to visit more often than was possible before. The available dates during the first half of 2023 can be found on the Guided Tours page of this website (orgelzolders.nl). Booking is now open.
As soon as we receive your booking request, our coordinator will contact you to arrange the timing and discuss the groups size, etc.
Please book these tours via this link: https://orgelzolders.nl/en/guided-tours-for-educational-institutes/
For other interested individuals
In addition, the attics will be open to the public on the first, or sometimes the second, Saturday of every month. The presentation will start at11.00 am.
Please book these tours via this link: https://orgelzolders.nl/en/guided-tours-for-individuals/
For groups of more than ten people
Groups of more than ten people will also be welcome, except on the first saturday of the month. Guided tours for them will depend on the availability of (assistant) guides and the Breeplein Church.
Our coordinator will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you (e-mail: info@orgelzolders.nl).
Entrance fees 2023
12,50 euros per person, with a debit card, at the entrance of the church. Unfortunately we cannot accept cash payments.
Primary schools pay 75 euros for groups upto 30 pupils (for each additional pupil 5 euros per pupil).
Payment can be made by bank transfer or with a debit card at the entrance of the Breeplein Church.
Secondary and higher education schools pay 100 euros for groups upto 30 students (for each additional student 7.50 euros).
Payment can be made by bank transfer or with a debit card at the entrance of the Breeplein Church.
See you at the Organ Attics!