Wednesday 16 September 2026

Freedom Festival

Almost 82 years ago, the Nijmegen region witnessed one of the largest military operations in history: Operation Market Garden. To mark this occasion, but also to commemorate and celebrate the start of the liberation, the Freedom Museum is once again organising a festive Freedom Festival on Sunday 20 September between 10.00 and 17.00!

This year, we’re once again holding a flea market, where children will have the chance to sell their old bits and bobs. Children can start setting up their stalls from 09:30. As well as the market, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy throughout the day for the whole family. During the festival, our temporary exhibitions Wojtek! The Bear Who Became a Soldier and Woman, Life, Freedom – Iranian Women’s Resistance will also be open to visitors in the museum.

A special highlight this year is the carnival float by the German artist Jacques Tilly, which can be admired in the outdoor area. Jacques Tilly is an artist who creates politically satirical art that is often seen at protests and parades. During the Freedom Festival, the float ‘Wir sind Mehr’ will be on display. This float is a critique of the German far-right party AFD, which misuses the slogan ‘Wir sind das Volk’ to sow hatred.

At 12:30 p.m., there will be a special moment when Janet and Lana Shimmin will talk about their (grand)father, Corporal Clarence Kenneth (Ken) Maltby, who was one of the first Allied motorcyclists to cross the Waal Bridge in September 1944. The two have ridden all the way from England (on their motorcycle, of course) to bring a donation from their (grand)father to the museum. Curious about the whole story? At 12:30 p.m., we’ll sit down with them to talk about their father. 

You can also take part in the Euregio Freedom Walk or come and enjoy some live music.