National Park Service - Capital Region
Netherlands Carillon Restoration
Project Overview
- Structural repairs to the building to preserve a mid-century landmark
- The bells were removed and returned to a fully functional carillon with three newly cast additions
- Celebration of the friendship between The Netherlands and the United States and our assistance to their nation during and after WWII
- Joint-Venture with Asturian Group, Inc.
The restoration and structural repairs to the 127’ tall Netherlands Carillon are the 4th restoration the tower has undergone since it was built in 1952. The project was timed to return the carillon to full function to mark the end of WWII, 75 years ago. The restoration celebrates the United State’s assistance in liberating the Netherlands from Nazi Germany and the help provided to The Netherlands through The Marshall Plan.
In addition to the tower, the clavier room will be refurbished to update the panels for playing the bells and tie in the newly cast bells to the system. Flooring, roofing, exterior cladding, lighting and handrails will also be refurbished. The removal, refurbishment and return of the 50 existing bronze bells and installation of three new bells will elevate the Netherlands Carillon to Grand Carillon status. The three newly cast bells are dedicated to Americans who had a great impact on the world during and since WWII – George C. Marshall, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Eleanor Roosevelt.
