Parents standing by memorial plaque for their daughter Reina Prinsen Geerligs, a resistance fighter who died in Sachsenhausen concentration camp during World War II

Reina Prinsen Geerligs Memorial

Reina Prinsen Geerligs Memorial Amsterdam: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Reina Prinsen Geerligs Memorial in Amsterdam stands as a powerful tribute to one of the Netherlands’ most courageous young resistance fighters during World War II. Honoring Reina Prinsen Geerligs—a woman whose intellect, bravery, and ultimate sacrifice symbolize the Dutch resistance spirit—the memorial offers profound insight into Amsterdam’s wartime history. Located in the culturally rich Plantage district, this monument is both accessible and free to visit, making it a meaningful destination for travelers and history enthusiasts seeking to understand the enduring legacy of the Dutch resistance.

This guide provides comprehensive information on the memorial’s historical background, visiting hours, ticket details, accessibility, tour options, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips. Whether you are planning a solo visit or a group excursion, this article ensures you have all the details for a respectful and enriching experience.

For official resources and updates, consult the Dutch Resistance Museum and the Official Amsterdam Tourist Website.

School students gathered around memorial plaque commemorating Reina Prinsen Geerligs in Amsterdam

Historical Background of Reina Prinsen Geerligs
The Memorial: Location, Design & Features
Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility
Guided Tours and Commemorative Events
Nearby Historical Sites & Attractions
Travel Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact & Resources
Conclusion

Historical Background of Reina Prinsen Geerligs

Reina Prinsen Geerligs (1922–1943) was born in Semarang, Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia), and soon moved with her family to Amsterdam. Renowned for her intellect and literary talent, she was an early activist, joining the Youth Association for Nature Study and winning a notable essay competition with her story “Justice” (dirkdeklein.net).

During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Reina’s moral convictions led her to join the CS-6 resistance group. She took part in high-risk clandestine activities—serving as a courier, organizing sabotage missions, and using her home as a resistance meeting point under the pseudonym Leentje Vandendriesch (joodsmonument.nl). She was arrested on July 23, 1943, after being betrayed during a mission and remained steadfast under interrogation. Despite harsh imprisonment, her courage inspired many, and her legacy endures as a symbol of youthful defiance and sacrifice.

The Memorial: Location, Design & Features

Location

The Reina Prinsen Geerligs Memorial is located at Nieuwe Prinsengracht 89, 1018 VR Amsterdam, in the Plantage district—a vibrant area known for its historical significance and cultural attractions. The memorial is easily accessible by public transportation, cycling, or walking, and is surrounded by notable sites such as the Hermitage Museum and Artis Zoo.

Design and Features

Unveiled in 1970 by Reina’s parents, the memorial consists of a bronze plaque designed by C.B.M. Otten. The plaque bears Reina’s name and a poetic inscription reflecting her suffering and hope during the war. Its modest yet evocative presence invites quiet reflection along the tranquil Nieuwe Prinsengracht canal.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets & Accessibility

Visiting Hours

Open: 24 hours a day, year-round
Best times: Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, contemplative experience

Tickets and Admission

Admission: Free; no tickets required
Guided Tours: Available via local operators and the Dutch Resistance Museum; advance booking recommended for group tours

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible: Yes; street-level site with even pavement and no barriers
Public Transport: Nearest tram and metro stops are Plantage Kerklaan and Weesperplein (GVB Amsterdam)
Cycling: Convenient bike racks nearby
Parking: Limited street parking; public transport or cycling is recommended

Guided Tours and Commemorative Events

While the memorial itself is an open-air site with no on-site staff, several local tour operators and the Dutch Resistance Museum offer guided tours that include the Reina Prinsen Geerligs Memorial as part of broader WWII and Dutch resistance routes. These tours provide deeper historical context and often incorporate nearby landmarks.

Annual commemorative events are held on significant dates such as May 4th (Dodenherdenking), when locals and visitors gather to remember war victims, sometimes leaving flowers or tokens at the site.

Interactive scavenger hunts, such as those provided by Let’s Roam, offer an engaging way to explore the memorial and related sites, blending historical trivia and challenges for individuals, families, or groups.

Nearby Historical Sites & Attractions

The Plantage and Koleknit districts offer a wealth of other historical and cultural attractions within walking or cycling distance:

Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum): Extensive exhibits on the resistance movement (Verzetsmuseum)
Anne Frank House: World-renowned site of wartime hiding and remembrance
Jewish Historical Museum & Hollandsche Schouwburg: Key locations in Amsterdam’s WWII and Jewish heritage
Artis Zoo & Hortus Botanicus: Nearby for a balance of history and leisure

Combining these sites with your visit to the Reina Prinsen Geerligs Memorial creates a comprehensive narrative of Amsterdam’s wartime experience.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Arrive early or visit during off-peak hours for a peaceful experience
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring cobblestone streets and walking tours
Photography is permitted; mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting
Download the Audiala app for self-guided audio tours and extra historical content
Check official sources for updates on commemorative events or temporary changes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, the memorial is freely accessible to the public at all times.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The outdoor memorial can be visited 24 hours a day, year-round.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local operators and the Dutch Resistance Museum, as well as interactive self-guided tours via Let’s Roam.

Q: Is the memorial accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, it is at street level with no barriers. The surrounding area is wheelchair-friendly.

Q: What is the best time to visit?
A: Spring to early autumn (April to September) offers mild weather. Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter.

Contact & Resources

Address: Nieuwe Prinsengracht 89, 1018 VR Amsterdam
Phone: 020 – 718 35 00
Email: [email protected]

For updated information, visit:

Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei
Dutch Resistance Museum
GVB Amsterdam for public transport
Let’s Roam Koleknit District for interactive tours

Conclusion

The Reina Prinsen Geerligs Memorial is more than a historical marker—it is a lasting homage to youthful bravery and the enduring spirit of resistance that shaped the Netherlands during World War II. Open year-round and accessible to all, the memorial invites reflection and remembrance, offering a unique opportunity to honor Reina’s sacrifice while exploring Amsterdam’s rich cultural heritage.

Combine your visit with nearby historical sites for a deeper understanding of the city’s wartime narrative. Engage with interactive tours, share your experience, and participate in annual commemorative events to help preserve the memory of Reina Prinsen Geerligs and countless others who fought for freedom. For further resources, consult the Nationaal Comité 4 en 5 mei and GVB Amsterdam.