Schoonhoven is known as the Silver City of the Netherlands. Besides that, Schoonhoven also used to be a fortified city and part of the Dutch Waterline. There is enough to experience and visit in the beautiful region of Krimpenerwaard. Because of its perfect location, in the middle of the green heart of the Netherlands, Krimpenerwaard is perfect for cycling and walking.
The Silver City probably originated from a rich and noble family from the fourteenth century. There is information found of goldsmiths and silversmiths located in Schoonhoven between 1360 and 1600. Jan van Blois choose Schoonhoven as his home in 1356 and attracted many artists according to records.
The vocational school in Schoonhoven was established in 1895. At first, the curriculum focused on drawing. In 1955 it became a vocational school for goldsmiths, silversmiths, jewelers, watchmakers and engravers. As of today, the vocational school is part of the organization ROC Zadkine.
But this school is still the only vocational school for smiths-to-be. Every year, the graduating students exhibit their masterpiece in the museum.
Twomuseums were merged into the Dutch Museum of gold, silver and clockwork in 1953. It was located in Utrecht. Unfortunately, the museum ran out of space and moved in 1970 to a bigger house. In 1978, the museum moved to Schoonhoven, because it was fit perfectly in the Silver City. The southern wing of the monumental building was renovated to get ready for the museum. The other two wings were originally meant for housing. The building is officially classified as a monument. In 2011, the museum changed its name in the Dutch Silver Museum. The clocks were all accomodated elsewhere. In 2014, the museum was renovated again. On the ground level, there is a restaurant area and a forge that is actually used by local smiths. The first floor houses the collection of the museum itself. The second floor has a workplace for visitors to create something beautiful. The temporary exhibitions are shown on this floor.
The Elisabeth monastry was built in 1412 in the old harbor. It was destroyed in a fire in 1518, but rebuilt later on. After the monastry was demolished during the reformation, the building got a new destination.
In 1627, the southwing of the arsenal was built on this location. The remains of the former monastry were redesigned as women’s houses. In 1827, the former arsenal was a storing location for hemp and a school.
Base
In 1862, the building was renovated by architect Oudijk. He supervised the renovation of the north wing and east wing. But it became a base for conscripts who refused to fight in Indonesia. After that, the regiment of Van Heutsz was housed in the base.
The vocational school in Schoonhoven was established in 1895. At first, the curriculum focused on drawing. In 1955 it became a vocational school for goldsmiths, silversmiths, jewelers, watchmakers and engravers. As of today, the vocational school is part of the organization ROC Zadkine.
But this school is still the only vocational school for smiths-to-be. Every year, the graduating students exhibit their masterpiece in the museum.
