KNMI De Bilt
Description
KNMI is best known in the Netherlands for its weather forecasts and warnings, but as a national data and knowledge centre for weather, climate and seismology, it does much more.
KNMI was established by Royal Decree on 31 January 1854. Prof C.H.D. Buys Ballot (1817-1890), the first chief director, chose the Sonnenborgh observatory in Utrecht as the location. In 1897, the institute moved to De Bilt, where its headquarters remain today. In total, KNMI employs around 500 people.
Participants must identify themselves at the KNMI reception desk with an ID card/passport or driving licence.
Parking is available
- Digital presentation/introduction about the KNMI and its areas of expertise, including the weather forecast
- Attend with explanation of weather balloon launching (at lunchtime)
- Visit with explanation to the historical instruments cabinet (the former Earth Magnetic Pavilion)
- Visit with explanation to the historical building Koelenberg, where the Seismology department is located
- Walk (weather-dependent!) across the KNMI grounds, where various works of art, measurement set-ups and buildings can be viewed from the outside
A limited number of paper brochures are available.
Please note that both the Historical Cabinet and the SO Building are difficult to access for people with mobility problems.
Location
Wilhelminalaan 10, 3732 GK De Bilt
Organiser
Technical Physics
Name and contact details for information
Jan Verhoeven