Blokhuispoort, Friesland Province, The Netherlands
4.5 (224 reviews) Spent < 1 hour Ranking #2 in Leeuwarden Points of Interest & Landmarks
Must see in Leeuwarden
The Blokhuispoort is a former Prison and now the cultural heart of Leeuwarden. It was build in 1499 as a type of fort, and was turned into a prison in 1580. The prison closed in 2007. Today you can do a guided tour by a former prison guide every Saturday at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00. Realy recomendable, tours are 10 euro. The Blokhuispoort is now the cultural heart of Leeuwarden. In the B-wing you can find all kind of creative shops in every Cell. When you continue to walk you will find an art gallery, Podium Asteriks and Café de Bak. On the other side of the Blokhuispoort there are more creative shops and offices, but also another exposition room. The Blokhuispoort is a must see in Leeuwarden.
Address
Blokhuisplein 40, 8911 LJ Leeuwarden The Netherlands
Mobile
Website
http://www.blokhuispoort.frl
Current local date and time now
Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 0:24
User Ratings
4.5 based on (224 reviews)
Reviews
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4Voorburg_Holland 5:00 PM May 20, 2021
Good use of an old prison
Due to covid we couldn’t visit the museum, which was a pity. One of the old prison wings was open and had little shops in the old prison cells, and that was great. The courtyard has turned into a cafe with terrace. There is also a hostel situated in the prison. Worth a visit!
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4Meicy 5:00 PM Jan 7, 2018
Major renovation
I came here after reading reviews from other fellow TA mates, true enough it is a home to many previous prisoner especially during the WWII and recents year till before 2008 were for prisoner whom sentenced for 5yr or more. The Dutch are very creative and thrifty, they reuse and recycled, try to preserve everything possible, even this ex-prison, amazing! However, this is an on-going project, up-grading and furbishment etc.. I saw a library being built, many scarf-folding, trucks, bricks and visitor centre, restaurant, some companies and a hostel. It looked a bit chaotic but when you ignore the appearance, it's worth a visit. It's FOC you can just roam around. Free toilet available.
