Waal Hall

In the Waal Hall, you will discover how the people of Nijmegen have been trying to tame the unpredictable power of the Waal for centuries. This exhibition takes you through dikes, groynes, floods, and ingenious solutions that shape and protect the land.

From medieval water masters to modern engineers: learn how river management is not just a matter of survival, but also of craftsmanship, collaboration, and foresight. The Dutch are internationally known for their water and river management. Not surprising when you consider that the Netherlands is essentially one large river delta. For centuries, the Waal has been dammed and embanked, which led to dangerous situations such as dike breaches and major floods.

Riverpark Nijmegen & interactive sandbox

Recently, the approach to river management has changed. Partly due to climate change, rivers are handling more water, increasing the risk of flooding. For this reason, extra space is being given to rivers in several locations in the Netherlands, including Nijmegen. Here, the Waal makes a sharp bend and narrows. This led to dangerous high water levels in 1993 and 1995. To prevent this danger, the dike at Lent was moved 350 meters inland and the Spiegelwaal was dug: a side channel that provides extra space for the river during high water. This intervention has created a new island between the historic city center and the new district of Nijmegen-Noord. The Veur-Lent island and the Spiegelwaal together form the River Park Nijmegen, where water safety, nature, recreation, and urban development come together.

With our interactive sandbox, you can shape the river yourself as a master builder. Where does the river flow the fastest? What happens to the water level and current if you dig a side channel? Roll up your sleeves and find out for yourself!

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