The foundation

Kasteel de Haar Foundation

After having been in private hands for many centuries, ownership of the castle changed in 2000. In order to be able to carry out the necessary large-scale restoration of the castle and to preserve the castle and its park and gardens (approx. 110 acres) for future generations to enjoy, Baron van Zuylen took the initiative to set up the Kasteel de Haar Foundation in 2000. The tradition of the family’s September residence at De Haar has been upheld. Whilst the Van Zuylen family parted with their possession of the castle, they have an eternal right to stay in the ancestral castle during the month of September each year. Residence will, however, not be possible during the restoration period, until 2010.

Haarzuilens estate (some 990 acres around the castle and park) was also sold in 2000. In buying the estate, the new owner, the Dutch Society for the Conservation of Nature, contributed 20 million euros to the Kasteel de Haar Foundation, which was sufficient to finance De Haar’s share in the restoration costs. The Foundation’s goal is to ensure the continued existence of the unique ensemble of Haarzuilens estate and De Haar castle, including its works of art and gardens, and to keep them open to the public.

In order to preserve the heritage-listed site, the castle is run by a separate foundation. De Haar Castle does not receive government funding for this purpose, and seeks to bring in the necessary funds through tourism and by organising corporate and private events and fairs. By visiting the park and castle, by attending an event, by staging your wedding ceremony or corporate function here, you are consciously or unconsciously contributing to safeguarding the future of De Haar Castle. But De Haar also owes a great deal to its volunteers, who put in many an hour to guide visitors around the castle or to lend a helping hand in the gift shop, the gardens or the catering side of the business. Thanks to their input, De Haar is able to continue to offer visitors the enjoyment of the castle and an array of activities and events.

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