Het Pink windmill wins Molenprijs 2026

The Het Pink oil mill in Koog aan de Zaan has won the VriendenLoterij Molenprijs 2026. The award, announced by Nicole Bakker of De Hollandsche Molen on October 25 at the Nederlands Openluchtmuseum in Arnhem, provides a total of €56,276. This amount consists of a €50,000 grand prize supplemented by €1 for every vote received, totaling 6,276 votes.

The funds are designated for specific restoration and accessibility projects, including converting the Oosterschuur into an exhibition space and repairing the oil cellar to make it visible to visitors.

Other prize winners included De Goede Verwachting in Den Helder, which received €19,311, and Holtens Molen in Deurne, which earned €11,597. The competition is an annual public prize organized by De Hollandsche Molen and the VriendenLoterij to support projects that enhance the visibility and social functions of windmill heritage.