Channel your inner Charlie and book a Verkade experience at the Verkadefabriek in Zaandam
Zaandam is the home of the Verkade factory. That’s why the Zaans Museum has a permanent Verkade Experience, an experience for young and old. Here, you can imagine yourself in an early twentieth-century cookie and chocolate factory, where the original machines are still running and Verkade’s history comes to life. During the Verkade Experience, you’ll discover whether you’re a true chocolate expert. Channel your inner Charlie and dive into the wonderful world of chocolate.
I’ve read the book and later watched the film more times than I can count on two hands. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory; ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Charlie finds the Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar and wins a tour of Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory, run by the greatest, most amazing confectioner ever. I wanted that too. Who wouldn’t want to take a look at the place where they make fizzy lifting drinks, cavity-filling caramels and lickable wallpaper for children’s bedrooms?
Verkade experience
That wish comes partly true at the Verkade Experience in the Verkadefabriek in Zaandam. It may not be as thrilling as Willy Wonka’s factory, but it’s certainly delicious. Have you always wanted to see the inside of a chocolate factory, or go a step further and work in a cookie and chocolate factory? This is your chance! Put on your work clothes and step into the role of a Verkade girl, cocoa expert or cookie baker. Will you make it to director, or will you be shown the door?
Fairtrade chocolate treasure hunt
During the autumn holidays (weeks 42/43), the Zaans Museum also hosts cocoa weeks. Take part in the special Fairtrade chocolate treasure hunt and discover the story from bean to bar. With the DIY chocolate wrapper kit, you can create or colour your own wrapper design. Choose the flavour of your chocolate bar yourself. Prices for a family ticket: €35 (two children and two adults), adult tickets: €12.50 / ages 4 to 17: €6.50 / ages 0 to 3: free. Free for CJP, Amsterdam Card and Museumkaart holders.
And hey… Are your kids crazy about chocolate? Teach them about the story of Fairtrade cocoa through play. How does that chocolate bar actually end up in the supermarket? Craft your own Fairtrade theatre or diorama and tell the story from bean to bar. On the Fairtrade website, you can download a cut-out sheet with a story booklet.
