Overdue maintenance
Over 50 years ago, the Sealcentre started at the home of founder Lenie ‘t Hart in Pieterburen. Since then, the centre has continued to expand with the visitor centre, additional reception areas for seals and space for catering and as additional exhibition space. The residential house became fully part of the Sealcentre and Lenie ‘t Hart stepped down from the organisation.
After years of intensive use, our current location is in need of renovation. The centre suffers from overdue maintenance and is not sustainable. A complete renovation would be too costly for a future-proof seal sanctuary.
Broader message
The seal does not stand on its own. Its health and population depend on the health of the Wadden Sea. We therefore find it important to tell not only about the seal, but also about its habitat. We believe that a healthy seal is the measure of a healthy Wadden Sea.
And us too, as humans, are linked to the health of the sea. We build dykes, we sail ships and we create pollution. This is how we influence each other.
Our current visitor centre is not suitable to convey this message. We want to create awareness of how valuable and at the same time how complex human's relationship with the Wadden Sea is.
For that, we need a location to experience the Wadden area. Of course, the best place to do that is right on the spot: next to the Wadden Sea.
Did you know...
...you can visit us in Pieterburen until 5 January 2025? Then we will close the visitor centre for relocation. From 26 April 2025, you can visit us in Lauwersoog.