55+ people free to museums on Oct. 4 and 5
On the occasion of the International Day of the Elderly, Heerlen residents aged 55 and older can visit three museums in the city for free on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. 55+'ers will get free entrance at Kasteel Hoensbroek, the Nederlands Mijnmuseum, SCHUNCK and De Vondst on presentation of their ID. The action is being held for the third time.
Alderman Marco Peters (Elder Policy) said, "In the Heerlen Elderly Accord that we signed this summer, captivate and engage are two of the four pillars. This initiative is an excellent opportunity to meet and go out with others. This creates more connection among themselves and allows the elderly to enjoy all the beauty the museums have to offer. That in turn creates more engagement."
Exhibitions and tours of the museums
On October 4 and 5, both the main location at Dr. Poelsstraat of the Netherlands Mining Museum and the Oranje-Nassau I Mining Monument are free to visit for 55+''ers from Heerlen. In Kasteel Hoensbroek there will be experience guides during the weekend who will tell passionately about the history of the castle. In addition, on Sundays the knights of the castle will be present. The Roman Museum has an exhibition in De Vondst about Roman villas in Limburg. At SCHUNCK the elderly can participate in a free building tour, where they will be told about the rich history and impressive architecture of the Glass Palace. For this last activity registration is required through the website of SCHUNCK.
Successful initiative
In 2023, this action was held for the first time, and it proved immediately successful. A total of 357 people took advantage of it then. In 2024, the number of participants rose to more than 1,000 people.