A special piece of Breda history lies behind the facade of this national monument. The house, known to many Breda residents as Huize Raffy, originally dates from the 16th century. The current form with two wings, each with a saddle roof, was built in the 17th century. At the rear is a deep, walled garden.
The house is named after Adriaan van der Donck (1618-1656), an influential jurist and freedom thinker who likely spent his childhood here. Van der Donck later left for New Netherland, where he played an important role in the development of what would later become New York. His ideas on democracy, human rights and religious liberty helped lay the foundation for the city’s liberal character.
In the centuries that followed, the house changed hands. Around 1900 it received much of its current monumental appearance thanks to the influential Breda family Smits van Waesberghe. They had the characteristic facade and richly decorated rooms built, which can still be admired. The famous brewing family of De Drie Hoefijzers also lived here, which can still be recognized from various details in the building.
From 1959 the house was given a new function as a residential care center, first for Indian and Moluccan elderly under the name Huize Raffy, later also as Lâle, a care location for Turkish elderly. This gave the building special social significance within the Breda community. What is the story of these elderly people? Why did they come to the Netherlands? The house carries their memories.
Today, Huis van der Donck is carefully managed by new owners who are working on a future-proof interpretation. They are exploring whether the monument can be given a cultural use, respecting its rich history and unique architecture.
Exhibition ’80 years of freedom?’
Foundation Arjati organizes an exhibition in house van der Donck during the Open Monumentendagen Breda. With this exhibition entitled “80 Years of Freedom?” the foundation is drawing attention to the often underexposed aftermath of the Second World War in the Dutch East Indies.
The exhibition provides a space for reflection, awareness and dialogue. By means of personal stories, photographs and historical documents, it is made clear how the events of the time continue to affect the lives of many to this day. It is arranged in such a way that one gets a picture of the events that took place from the beginning of the Japanese occupation to the exodus of Dutch East Indies and other population groups to the Netherlands and elsewhere. Through a walking route one can see different facets.
The exhibition is free to visit on both Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Hosts and hostesses from the Arjati Foundation will be on hand to answer your questions.
Presentation by St. Erfgoed Drie Hoefijzers
Huis van der Donck was for many years the home of the Jan Smits family, one of the owners of the famous Breda brewery De Drie Hoefijzers. That brewing history is still evident in the interior. Note, for example, the family rooms on the right and the decorative corridor: the chandelier incorporates hop cones, a nod to the brewer’s past.
In the beautifully decorated meeting room at Boschstraat 57 – where brewery director Jan Smits himself once lived – board members of the Stichting Erfgoed Drie Hoefijzers provide a continuous presentation on the rich history of the brewery, from 1538 to the present. They will also tell about the legendary “List of the Turfschip,” in which beer and Breda history unexpectedly come together.