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source building - Orrise and fall of a haarlem spa 

Jan 31 – April 27, 2025

The exhibition about the nineteenth-century Brongebouw and Hollandia Bronwater highlights a virtually unknown chapter in the history of Haarlem and South Kennemerland, while the story behind it is special. At the end of the nineteenth century, Haarlem grand ambitions to establish a health resort, with spring water from the Hollandia Bron. This source was discovered in 1854 in Vijfhuizen, where the water flowed unused into the ditch for years. A pharmacist later discovered the healing properties: the iron-rich water, combined with kitchen salt, helped against conditions such as anemia and obesity, and had a laxative effect. 

Because Vijfhuizen had no plans for the source, the water was transported to the city via a pipeline. Haarlem transported. In 1892 a luxurious Brongebouw with a drinking hall and bathhouse was built in the Frederikspark. The ambitions of Haarlem However, its use as a health resort failed: the building fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished.

In this exhibition, developed with the Meerdoc Foundation as part of The best water in the world, you will discover the history of this special dream through old photos, articles and objects.