Melkfabriek

History & Current Status

The Melkfabriek in Arnhem was originally built in the early 20th century as a dairy factory, playing a crucial role in the city’s food industry. For decades, it processed milk and dairy products, serving both local communities and the wider Gelderland region. Architecturally, the factory represented the functional style of industrial construction from the period, with expansive halls, brick facades, and towering chimneys that dominated the skyline.

By the late 20th century, the factory’s operations declined as production moved to more modern facilities. The site was abandoned, leaving behind vast halls, rusting pipes, and derelict machinery that stood as a haunting reminder of Arnhem’s industrial past. For many years, the Melkfabriek was one of the city’s most well-known urbex locations, attracting explorers and photographers drawn to its raw atmosphere, peeling paint, and forgotten spaces.

In recent years, however, the Melkfabriek has undergone significant redevelopment. Parts of the former factory have been restored and repurposed into residential, cultural, and creative spaces, marking a new chapter in its long history. While the days of sneaking through its abandoned corridors are over, the building still retains traces of its industrial soul, now preserved as part of Arnhem’s urban renewal projects.