Experience History in
the Heart of Muiden

After an explosion at a gunpowder factory in Amsterdam, the city council decided that production should take place outside the city. On February 21, 1702, Reinier van Cuyk was granted permission to set up a powder mill near Muiden, by the Zuiderzee. This marked the birth of what would later become known as "De Krijgsman".

On July 15, 1831, Abraham Bredius bought the gunpowder factory. This marked the start of a new era, during which the factory would remain in the hands of this influential Amsterdam merchant family and grow into an important industrial complex.

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In 1869, the factory was completely rebuilt and modernized. A 38-horsepower steam engine was installed as a power source, marking the transition from traditional wind power to industrial steam power – a revolutionary step at the time.

On June 20, 1922, the N.V. Nederlandse Springstoffenfabriek was founded by 'the Gunpowder Makers' and the Dutch State. This official state involvement underscored the strategic importance of the factory for the Netherlands.

On June 1, 1972, the company entered into a cooperation agreement with the West German company Dynamit Nobel AG, establishing a joint venture under the name Muiden Chemie. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the factory.

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At the end of May 2004, all activities at the Gunpowder Factory were officially discontinued. After more than 300 years of producing gunpowder and explosives, industrial use of this historic site came to a definitive end. The site would remain unused for many years, awaiting a new purpose that would honor its rich history.

In 2025, the historic Kruitfabriek will be given new life as a high-end event venue. The industrial heritage site has been stylishly restored, preserving its character, and now offers an atmospheric setting for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. A repurposing that honors the past while looking towards the future.