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De Vlucht Memorial commemorates the forced evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents of Breda on May 12, 1940, at the beginning of World War II. This mass exodus, known as 'De Vlucht' (The Escape), saw people fleeing south to avoid military confrontations. Tragically, 104 to 114 people lost their lives during this evacuation, often caught in German shelling. The monument serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of war on civilians and is a central point for annual remembrance ceremonies on May 4th.

Valkenberg Park, where De Vlucht Memorial is situated, is a public park in the city center of Breda. As such, it is generally accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no specific opening or closing times for the park itself, allowing visitors to experience the memorial at their convenience.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed in Valkenberg Park. However, it is common practice in Dutch public parks to keep dogs on a leash, especially in busy areas or near monuments. Please ensure you clean up after your dog to help maintain the park's cleanliness for all visitors.

Yes, De Vlucht Memorial and the surrounding Valkenberg Park are considered wheelchair accessible. The park features designated walking paths that are generally flat and well-maintained, making it easy for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers to navigate and approach the monument.

Given its central location within Breda's city center, De Vlucht Memorial is surrounded by numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You'll find a wide array of options just a short walk from Valkenberg Park. Similarly, there are various hotels and guesthouses in Breda's city center to suit different budgets and preferences for accommodation.

De Vlucht Memorial is an excellent starting point for various walks. You can enjoy leisurely strolls through Valkenberg Park itself, which offers pleasant, flat paths. For those looking for longer excursions, the memorial can be integrated into broader walking routes that explore the historic city center of Breda, taking you past other landmarks and scenic spots. Hikers can find options for both short circular walks and more extensive urban explorations.

The bronze sculpture, titled 'De Vlucht' (The Escape), was created by Hein Koreman. It depicts a mother figure leaving the city, holding the hand of a child who looks back towards Breda. Initially, Koreman did not create it as a war memorial, but it won third prize at an exhibition in 1954. Its powerful imagery resonated deeply with the residents of Breda, evoking memories of the 1940 evacuation, and it gradually became recognized as a war memorial. It has been moved to various locations in Breda before finding its permanent home in Valkenberg Park in 1999, where it gained prominence in the annual May 4th commemorations.

The most significant annual event associated with De Vlucht Memorial is the commemoration of the dead on May 4th. On this day, many flowers are laid at the monument, and it serves as a focal point for remembrance ceremonies in Breda, honoring the victims of World War II, particularly those who perished during the 1940 evacuation. While not a festival, it is a solemn and important annual gathering.

The timeless nature of the sculpture, depicting people forced to leave the familiar behind, allows it to resonate beyond its specific historical context. Many visitors find that the monument's message can be projected onto current refugee flows and displacement crises around the world, whether due to war, poverty, political reasons, or climate change. It serves as a powerful symbol of the universal experience of displacement and the human spirit's capacity to endure.

De Vlucht Memorial is conveniently located in Valkenberg Park, which is very close to Breda Central Station. From the station, it's just a short walk (approximately 5-10 minutes) to reach the park and the memorial. Breda Central Station is well-connected by train and bus services, making public transport an excellent option for visitors.