The auction house was originally used by local gardeners to sell produce directly to buyers while still on their boats.
The auction clock system used at this site is the precursor to modern global flower auction systems.
The 'Kingdom of a Thousand Islands' consists of approximately 15,000 small islands created by soil excavation for greenhouse foundations.
The auction house building has remained in its original 1878-1887 form, serving as the first indoor auction facility of its kind.
The museum uses a 'reversed auction clock', where the price starts high and drops until a buyer pushes a button.
Museum BroekerVeiling is the world’s oldest auction house for vegetables, established in 1887. The museum preserves the original auction building where produce was traded from boats. Visitors participate in a recreated auction using a traditional electric clock mechanism. The site features a historical boat tour through the 'Kingdom of a Thousand Islands', an area of peat lands interlaced with canals. The museum grounds include original period buildings and equipment used in regional agriculture. It functions as an open-air museum documenting the transition of Dutch vegetable gardening. The site is located in Broek op Langedijk, part of the Langedijk region known for its unique polder landscape.
The view of the historical auction building from the canal side.
Participate in the live mock auction to understand the original bidding process.
Combine your museum visit with the boat tour for a full perspective of the island landscape.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing as parts of the museum are outdoors.
Do not attempt to walk through the 'Kingdom of a Thousand Islands' without taking the guided boat tour, as many areas are only accessible by water.
Closed on Mondays during the off-season; check for seasonal holiday closures.
Respect historical equipment and do not touch auction mechanisms unless instructed.
