Ketelhuis

Super

This review in brief: In summary, the boiler house offers an interesting glimpse into history. Unfortunately, sticking to the term 'steam days' creates expectations that a visit can no longer live up to: since about a year it has not been possible to actually heat the boiler. The website offers no indication that steaming is definitely a thing of the past. On the contrary, the use of real steam is still being promoted. Only visit the museum if the steam technique is of secondary importance to you. The full version: The building itself is in principle quite worthwhile. They have a two-cylinder mill steam engine from 1909 and a steam turbine added in 1956. As far as I know, only the first is in working condition, but the turbine is also interesting to see when stationary. There are three boilers, two of which are colossi from the fifties, and in the basement (formerly a storage place), volunteers have set up a number of period rooms that should give an impression of how the fathers practiced their crafts in the heyday of the monastery. Due to environmental regulations, the only functional boiler after the 2018 season has been decommissioned. That does not mean that the mill motor cannot be demonstrated - people simply use air pressure - but 'steam days', the term that is still used in promotional material, is therefore no longer the case. It may be a bit dramatic to say that I have been lied to, but I cannot avoid the impression that the organization was not entirely honest, consciously or unconsciously. For some people this difference may be trivial, and I can definitely recommend this group to visit. There is much to see and learn about pre-war craft. However, as a seasoned steam enthusiast who is primarily interested in technology, I expected the steam that I had been promised. Not only because of the idea (real steam is simply more romantic), but also because of the skill of the guides. Compared to the old-fashioned way, it is relatively easy to switch on an air-based drive. As a result, museums that no longer use the much more complex boilers usually have less knowledge and expertise in-house, and that unfortunately also proved to be the case here. People could tell extensively about the history of the complex; more technical questions often had to do without an answer. I realize that I am perhaps a bit more critical of this than the average visitor. However, in case you share my taste and think of smoking chimneys, roaring boilers and deeply experienced guides on a steam day, the Steyl boiler house will almost certainly disappoint you.

Very well done.

Special presentation about working and generating energy through steam from the end of the 19th century in the monastery of the fathers and brothers of the Mission Order SVD.

Very rewarding. Not only the electricity generating steam engine but also the exhibition about monastic professions.