't Zakkendragershuisje

Het Zakkendragershuisje in historisch Delfshaven is a place for exhibitions, events, meetings and tourist information.

History of Zakkendragershuisje

In historic Delfshaven, municipality of Rotterdam, lies a national monument known as Zakkendragershuisje and Kraanhuis. The complex dates back to 1653 and has a rich, eventful history. It has served as a crane lock, accommodation for the Zakkendragersgilde, prison, storage, office for the police commissioner, and as a pewter foundry. The brothers of the Zakkendragersgilde gathered in the Zakkendragershuisje. The sacks of grain brought in by ship, raw material for the many distilleries in Delfshaven, were unloaded by the servants of the sack carriers and carried on their backs to the warehouses and distilleries. When a ship had to be unloaded, the bell was rung. The sack carriers came to the sound of the bell and then the battle ignited over who was allowed to unload the cargo. Usually, more sack carriers reported than were needed. A roll of the dice had to decide who could get to work. According to a newspaper report from February 24, 1955, from the Rotterdamsch Nieuwsblad, the last sack carriers worked at Van Nelle until 1943. Then the cranes took over their work. Now it is the home base of theatergroep Drijfzand.

Our mission: The Zakkendragershuisje is there for everyone

In 2017, Het Zakkendragershuisje opened its doors as a home for theatergroep Drijfzand, a new theater with a small hall for 30 people and a spacious foyer with exhibition space. Het Zakkendragershuisje wants to connect, to be there for all Rotterdammers, especially from Historisch Delfshaven. Het Zakkendragershuisje brings Rotterdammers together through, among other things, theater experience and challenges them to get to know each other and the theater in a safe environment. The small scale of the theater ensures that homely and safe feeling. With us, a dialogue takes place between residents, artists, and the public. Everyone should feel equally welcome. We therefore have a versatile program. Het Zakkendragershuisje is also a stepping stone for professional young theater makers and actors on their way to an independent existence. In Het Zakkendragershuisje, our visitors get to know surprising, experimental, traditional, and innovative art in an accessible way. Het Zakkendragershuisje, modest in size, is the place of connection, wonder, and surprise in Delfshaven.