The Blokhuispoort, the former detention center in Leeuwarden, is a centuries-old, unique building that truly captures the imagination. An imposing gate, dark corridors and cells, the courtyard where prisoners went for fresh air: a visit to the Blokhuispoort is one you won’t easily forget.

Project goal

Let 400 of Leeuwarden’s visitors each week experience what it feels like to be imprisoned in the Blokhuispoort, thereby raising historical awareness.

Blok Out

A former custodian has lost his memories. They are hidden in every nook and cranny of the Blokhuispoort. Not visible to the naked eye, but fortunately you can discover them with your phone’s camera. Will you be able to find them all and unravel the mystery of the Blokhuispoort?

You catch the first memories yourself. The game continues in the monumental Blokhuispoort. The hunt for the memories takes you through the entire complex: sometimes the memories have to be caught, sometimes a puzzle has to be solved, and sometimes a question has to be answered.

Blok Out was an innovative attraction that brought the history of the Blokhuispoort prison to life. With phone in hand, players learned about the history of the Blokhuispoort in a special, interactive tour of the Blokhuispoort. The game could be played independently by visitors aged 8 and up, was easy to play for those without game experience, and was offered in Dutch, Frisian, German and English. The game lasted about 1.5 hours.

Availability

From 2018, the game was available to download via the app stores on mobile devices. The game was designed to be played while walking around in the Blokhuispoort.