HEM is the historical name for land outside the dikes, in this case in the former IJ between Zaandam and Amsterdam. After the construction of the North Sea Canal, this headland was raised and became available for use.
Due to its strategic location behind the defense line of Amsterdam, the area – called Hembrug, after the old metal railway bridge – was given a military purpose. From 1895, Artillerie Inrichtingen produced firearms, artillery and ammunition for the Dutch army.
Until 2003, the site was still in use by the Eurometaal machine factory. Then a few aritists an nature took over the site. From 2011, more and more renovations are being done and more entrepreneurs are settling on the site, which also includes a city park.
This photo was taken on the other Amsterdam-side of the North Sea Canal, along the old railway track to Zaandam.
