Soviet War Cemetery Foundation

The Soviet War Cemetery Foundation (Stichting Sovjet Ereveld) is a Dutch independent humanitarian volunteer organisation based in Leusden, Netherlands. It is dedicated to the memory of Soviet soldiers who died in the Netherlands during the Second World War and were buried at the Soviet War Cemetery in Leusden. The foundation works to identify and commemorate these soldiers, many of whom were prisoners of war or forced labourers, and to preserve their stories for future generations. The foundation operates the Sovjet Ereveld Experience, a museum and visitor centre that uses virtual reality and personal narratives to bring the history of the Soviet war dead to life. The Experience allows visitors to follow the story of a missing soldier, Vladimir, from his departure from his family through combat, captivity, and forced labour in a coal mine. Another exhibit tells the story of a young boy saying goodbye to his father, illustrating the long-term impact of war on a family. The foundation also organises educational programmes, exhibitions, and commemorative events. The organisation is independent and relies on volunteers, donations, and ticket sales. It has received donations of artworks, such as three paintings by the Amersfoort artist Engelbert L'hoëst, which are now part of its collection. The foundation continues to raise awareness about the forgotten stories behind the anonymous gravestones at the Soviet War Cemetery in Leusden.

The Soviet War Cemetery Foundation (Stichting Sovjet Ereveld) is a Dutch independent humanitarian volunteer organisation. It is based in Leusden, Netherlands, where the Soviet War Cemetery is located. The foundation was established to maintain the cemetery and to commemorate the Soviet soldiers buried there, many of whom died during the Second World War while in German captivity or as forced labourers. The foundation operates the Sovjet Ereveld Experience, a museum and visitor centre that opened at the cemetery site. The Experience uses virtual reality and personal stories to educate visitors about the fate of Soviet soldiers. One of its central narratives follows a missing soldier named Vladimir, from his farewell to his family, through his service at the front, his capture and transport to Nazi Germany, and his forced labour in a coal mine. Another exhibit tells the story of a young boy whose father went to the front and never returned, showing the lasting impact of war on a family. The foundation has also expanded its collection through donations. In August 2026, it received three paintings by the Amersfoort artist Engelbert L'hoëst (1919–2008): De Gevangene, Fusillade, and Voor het vuurpeloton. These works are now part of the Sovjet Ereveld Experience. The foundation continues to organise commemorative events, such as the placing of flowers at the graves of identified soldiers, and to share news about its activities through its website.

• Flowers placed for Vasili Kolomiëts

• Announcement of acquisition of three paintings by Engelbert L'hoëst

• Transfer of three paintings by Engelbert L'hoëst to the Sovjet Ereveld Experience

Humanitarian memorial and educational organisation preserving the memory of Soviet war dead in the Netherlands.

• Sovjet Ereveld Experience

  Museum and visitor centre with virtual reality experience and exhibitions.

• Virtual Reality experience of soldier Vladimir

  Follow the story of a missing Soviet soldier from farewell to forced labour.

1. 1Sovjet Ereveld Experience | VR-Beleving Tweede Wereldoorlogsovjet-ereveld.nl
2. 2Soviet War Cemetery Foundation - Wikidatawikidata.org