When walking around IJlst, there's never a dull moment. With each step you take, there's something to be seen and to be discovered. From canals and waterside gardens to the fountain and Wood Museum. And what you certainly mustn't miss on your walking route, is the permanent outdoor exhibition known as Schepenfries (Shipping Panels). This is the artistic crown on the celebration of 750 years of IJlst city rights, and a project that took no less than three years to research and realise. Based on research by Jan Tabak, artist Johannes Terpstra has illustrated and expressed the history of IJlst, from the prehistory to modern-day.
The central theme in this case is shipbuilding, shipping and trade. Were you aware that until 1800, the IJlst style of ship known as a ‘Kogge’ was the main cargo transporter of the Netherlands? It wasn't until after the French period, around 1825, that this type of ship lost popularity. But it has been saved for all time in the city arms, and can also be found in the flag of the city of IJlst. The exhibition can be found at Dassenboarch, towards the Sudergowei and close to the fountain.
