Old Atomic Bunker in the Museumpark

Last weekend I visited the old Westzeedijk nuclear bunker, located in Rotterdam’s Museumpark. The shelter is only a few metres from the Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, yet I had never noticed it before. From the outside, all you can see is a large stone slab in the grass. The bunker was designed to protect people in the event of nuclear, biological or chemical attacks. Apparently, it is one of the smallest museums in Rotterdam.

Inside the Westzeedijk bunker

To enter the bunker, you descend a flight of stairs and pass through two heavy metal doors. Inside there was room for around 50 people, who would sit on small benches designed for two people, with basic beds above them. There was also a small toilet area separated only by a curtain and equipped with a large bucket. Once the bucket was full, it had to be emptied outside.

On the tables were tins containing emergency food rations and supplies of drinking water. The idea was that people could remain inside the shelter for around 48 hours until the immediate danger had passed. Candles were also available in case of a power failure.

The shelter was intended mainly for people who happened to be in the area during an emergency and were unable to return home. During their stay, someone had to manually turn a large crank to keep the ventilation system operating. Outside air passed through filters before entering the shelter and, in the event of a chemical or biological threat, the system helped protect the interior from contaminants.

Rotterdam’s network of Cold War shelters

In addition to the Westzeedijk bunker, Rotterdam had numerous shelters in different parts of the city during the Cold War, built because of fears of a possible nuclear attack.

Many metro stations were also prepared to function as emergency shelters. The facilities included areas for toilets, supplies and emergency beds. If necessary, thousands of people could take shelter underground.

According to information about Rotterdam’s network of shelters, there was space for around 44,000 people across the city, with a large proportion of the available places located in metro stations.

Most of these shelters stopped being used after the end of the Cold War. Following the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, many of the facilities were closed, demolished or given new uses.

A number of Cold War shelters still remain in Rotterdam. One of them is located in Schiebroek and has been preserved and partially restored. These places provide a fascinating glimpse into how the city prepared for a possible emergency during the Cold War.

Public shelters and protection at home

These shelters were intended mainly for members of the public who happened to be outside when an alarm sounded. Residents were also advised to prepare some form of protection at home in case of an emergency.

During the Cold War, instructions were published explaining what to do in the event of an attack and how to protect homes. Among other measures, people were advised to close and seal doors and windows to reduce the amount of dust and contaminants entering the building.

Metro stations played an important role in this civil-defence system. Some still contain features connected with their former use as shelters, although most are no longer visible to everyday passengers. If you want to know more about the city’s transport network today, take a look at our guide to public transport in Rotterdam.

Visiting the Westzeedijk bunker

The Westzeedijk shelter does not operate as a museum with regular daily opening hours. Stichting Cultureel Erfgoed Koude Oorlog occasionally organises open days and visits, so it is advisable to check in advance when the bunker can be visited.

The bunker is located in Museumpark, opposite the Greek Orthodox Church at Westzeedijk 333. Admission during special open days is usually free, although donations are accepted to help preserve this piece of Cold War heritage.

Its location also makes it easy to combine a visit with some of the main things to see in Rotterdam, as Museumpark is home to several of the city’s museums and attractions.

After spending half an hour in this tiny room, with no privacy and very little space to move around, I hope we never have to use shelters like this again. If you suffer from claustrophobia, 48 hours down there could feel like an eternity.