Culture
Zeeland
Writers were inspired, painters flourished. Not surprising, because those who have an eye for it, see much more in Zeeland than sand and water. Zierikzee, Dreischor and Veere in particular seem to have remained untouched through the centuries. The years have passed, but the history is still alive. Do such places still exist? Those village squares where ancient trees provide a bit of shade. The church is surrounded by picturesque houses and aesthetically pleasing facades… just as it was a hundred years ago.
Thanks to the discovery of larger ports such as Antwerp and Rotterdam, peace returned to Zeeland… It is precisely thanks to this peace that so much of the authenticity has been preserved. These picturesque towns and quiet villages still exist today. That does not mean that the Zeelanders have fallen asleep. They receive you with hospitality and are happy to show you what they can do. Straôrieën on Schouwen - Duiveland, ring riding on Walcheren and 'pierbollen' on Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Everywhere you can sniff culture, taste the atmosphere.
Tired of the day? In the evening, relax in one of those soft chairs at the Cine City Cinema in Vlissingen. Or do you feel like going into town? In theaters and cafes you can immerse yourself in the vibrant Zeeland nightlife.
Especially in late summer, Zeeland is full of activities. During the late summer festivals at the end of August and the beginning of September, the sea and land are even more vibrant with art and culture at unique locations: a modern opera in an old fort or theater on a desert island. The controversial Film by the Sea in Vlissingen completes the cultural late summer: dozens of new films, with chic premieres and swinging parties.
Kunstschouw
In June (June 13-21, 2026), the Kunstschouw will take place in the western corner of Schouwen. Art, culture, and the natural environment come together with impressive installations, visual arts, and performances at some 30 locations. Thousands of art lovers explore the exhibited art every year. The Kunstschouw, a Zeeland institution, is the largest contemporary art event in Zeeland, featuring established and emerging artists in authentic locations such as churches, barns, and gardens.
Musea en kunstgalerijen
The region is known for its various museums and art galleries that bring to life the rich culture and history of Zeeland. The Watersnoodmuseum in Ouwerkerk is an impressive place where you can learn all about the 1953 flood disaster and the subsequent rebuilding of the area.
For art lovers, the Zeeland Rose Garden in Kats is highly recommended, where you can enjoy a beautiful collection of contemporary artworks. In addition, the Maritime Museum Zierikzee offers in-depth insight into the region's maritime history, with a particular focus on fishing and shipbuilding.
Region and Agricultural Museum Goemanszorg
Regional and agricultural museum Goemanszorg offers the visitor an good impression of peasant life from the beginning of the last century to the 1950s, when the mechanization of agriculture was introduced. For the somewhat older visitor, the museum is often a "feast of recognition". For the young visitor, the museum provides an educational picture of agricultural life in the past.
Watersnoodmuseum
The museum is located in one of the four caissons used to close the last hole in the dikes after the flooding on November 6, 1953. Caissons are actually concrete boats that were filled with sand after being put in place. The museum tries to give a picture of what happened after the disaster of February 1, 1953 with a video presentation about the flood, the rescue and the relief. In a living room you can imagine how high the water was and you will find a large number of folders with stories and photos from that time.
Terra Maris
A varied, lively exhibition takes you through the history of the Zeeland landscape and shows you the richly varied Zeeland nature. Get to know the dynamic nature of the Delta, the many land reclamations and the more than a hundred villages that have been swept off the map over the centuries by the water. And ... let yourself be surprised by the landscape of today.
