What is Day of Construction?

Day of Construction is a yearly event held across the Netherlands, usually in June. In Dutch, it’s called Dag van de Bouw. On this day, construction companies open their building sites to the public. It’s a rare chance for people to take a look behind the scenes of major projects, from tunnels and railways to schools, hospitals and residential areas.

The day is about showing what goes into building the Netherlands. Visitors can see how concrete is poured, how cranes operate, or how a metro line is expanded. It’s especially popular with families, schools and curious neighbors who want to learn more about the city or region where they live.

History and Origin

Day of Construction was introduced in 2006 by Bouwend Nederland, the Dutch association for construction and infrastructure companies. The aim was to show the public how much work goes into creating the spaces where people live, work and move.

The event also wanted to improve the image of the sector. Construction was often seen as noisy or inconvenient, especially in cities. This day offered a new story with more focus on innovation, collaboration and future thinking.

Over the years, the day has grown in popularity. Hundreds of building sites now take part. From large national infrastructure projects to smaller local buildings, visitors get guided tours, hands-on activities and the chance to talk with builders, engineers and architects.

Who participates in Day of Construction?

• Construction companies: They open their sites, provide staff for tours and organize demonstrations or kids’ activities
• Families and children: Many families come with young kids who are fascinated by big machines and construction gear
• Schools: Classes often visit sites as part of a field trip, combining fun with education about building and engineering
• Local residents: Neighbors curious about nearby projects use this chance to learn what’s being built and why
• Industry professionals: Architects, planners and students in technical fields take the opportunity to connect with real-life projects

Slogans and Themes

The Day of Construction usually focuses on openness, curiosity and connection. Themes like “Building Together” or “The Netherlands Under Construction” are common. The event highlights teamwork, smart design and the human effort behind every building. Slogans vary by year but often carry messages of pride in Dutch craftsmanship and infrastructure.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors

• Orange: Reflects the Dutch national identity and is often worn by staff and volunteers on site
• Yellow: Represents safety, visibility and the color of most construction helmets and signs
• Grey: Symbolizes concrete, steel and the raw materials used in construction

Symbols

• Hard hat: A universal symbol of the construction world, used in logos and giveaways
• Crane: Represents the power and scale of the projects being built
• Blueprint: Seen in visuals and posters, symbolizing planning and precision

Patterns

• Gridlines: Used in graphic design to suggest technical drawings and structure
• Concrete textures: Backgrounds in posters and flyers often use real construction surfaces
• Warning stripes: Yellow black or red white stripes are used as design accents to reflect site safety

Most used hashtags

• #dagvandebouw
• #bouwplaatsopen
• #bouwenaanmorgen
• #bouweninnederland
• #bouwenvoorjou

How do you celebrate Day of Construction?

• Visit a building site: Choose from dozens of open sites near you and explore a project in progress with a guided tour
• Try interactive demos: Many locations let you try bricklaying, welding simulators or virtual building programs
• Ask questions: Meet the team behind the work, from engineers to apprentices, and learn how they solve real-life challenges
• Join kids’ activities: Children can build models, drive mini-diggers or play in sandpits designed to teach construction skills
• Take home materials: Some sites offer small souvenirs, flyers or educational materials to continue learning at home

Why is Day of Construction important?

This day is important because it opens up a hidden world. Most people see construction only from the outside, with fences, dust and noise. But this day reveals the people, skill and care behind it. It shows that building is not just about materials but about creating homes, roads, hospitals and schools that shape everyday life.

It also inspires young people. Many children who visit a building site on this day leave wanting to be crane operators or engineers. For a sector facing worker shortages, that inspiration matters. And for everyone else, it’s a day to connect with the built environment and to see the future being made.