Kuiperij Meester

Hidden in an unexpected spot in Amersfoort is a unique piece of heritage: the old cooperage of the Meester family.

Rinus Meester was one of the last artisan coopers in the Netherlands, who had still learned the craft from his father. After Rinus' death in 2015, heritage architect (and back neighbour) Gijsbert van Hoogevest lovingly took care of the property. Structural restoration and the preservation and reuse of historical materials were central to this.

Anyone entering the yard steps back in time two centuries and discovers a townscape that has not been preserved in any other place in Amersfoort. Since the 17th century, various users have all left traces in and around the property in their own way. There are even two 19th-century almshouses preserved.

Inside the old workshop, it is as if the master cooper had only walked away to deliver an errand - the full inventory with all the tools has been preserved, and his caps are still hanging on the coat rack waiting for him.

The premises can only be visited with a guide; this will tell you about the history of the premises and the family, as well as explain the coopers' trade and the tools needed.