Canon Days

During the weekend of May 16 & 17, 2025, various Canon museums across the country will organize activities centered around the windows and key objects of the Canon of the Netherlands. The Canon Days are organized by the Canon of the Netherlands network. Within this network, museums and heritage institutions work together to bring Dutch history into the spotlight.

Canon Days at Museumpark Archeon

Walk through the Canon of the Netherlands at Museumpark Archeon! During the Canon Days, the different parts of the canon will receive even more special attention. Begin your journey of discovery in the Archaeology House, where an overview of the rich history of the province of South Holland is presented through a wealth of archaeological finds.

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Follow the route through prehistory, which in Archeon begins in the Mesolithic period — the time of Trijntje. Experience how she lived in an era of hunting and gathering. From the first farmers, continue via the dolmen to the Bronze Age and then the Iron Age.

In the Roman period, visitors discover the Roman Limes. The fort Albaniana once stood in Alphen aan den Rijn. Experience for yourself what life looked like at the time and stand atop the Roman wall. Walk along the Roman road “Via Albaniana” to the Bathhouse, where the Romans demonstrate the bathhouse and provide a Roman massage. The original bathhouse is located in Heerlen. In the restoration yard, the Zwammerdam ships are being restored live. These ships were found in Zwammerdam, where the Roman frontier once ran along the Old Rhine. The guides will tell you all about the history and restoration of the ships.

Also discover Dorestad in Archeon. This Viking settlement was founded during the Carolingian era. Listen to stories about Vikings and sail on a Viking ship yourself!

During the Canon Days, special guided tours will take place in the prehistoric, Roman, and medieval sections. Spend extra time at the dolmen, delve deeper into the Roman archaeological finds, and learn all about Dorestad during these tours.

Read all about the canon windows within Archeon here.

Willibrord and “Hebban olla uogala nestas” in the Monastery

Join the medieval procession for Willibrord! Take part in a historical performance about the Archbishop of the Frisians. In the medieval section of Museumpark Archeon, special attention is given to Willibrord from within the Monastery. The Franciscan friars and townspeople, together with visitors, perform a medieval play about his life and its important themes.

The event begins with a singing procession of the friars to the Fisherman’s House, where Willibrord arrives by boat. He is then accompanied in song to the marketplace. Here, he recites an Old Saxon baptismal formula from the 8th century, preserved in Utrecht, during a “renewal of baptismal vows.” Visitors are invited to participate in the Spring Procession to the Monastery. At the Monastery, Willibrord is celebrated with festive songs. The songs used during the medieval performance date back to the 9th century.

Visitors can participate in the activity free of charge with admission to Archeon. Registration is not required.