George Maduro: Resistance hero from Curaçao and the story behind Madurodam

Walking through Madurodam in The Hague with your children? Chances are you’ll pause at the tiny trains whizzing by or marvel at the miniature Dom Tower or Schiphol Airport. What most visitors don’t know is that the entire park is actually a monument. A tribute. But to whom? To a young man from Curaçao who fought for freedom—both literally and symbolically. Meet George John Lionel Maduro.

From Willemstad to The Hague, Netherlands

George was born on July 15, 1916, in Willemstad, Curaçao. A bright, cheerful boy from a Sephardic Jewish family, he moved to The Hague at the age of ten to attend school. He later studied law in Leiden and became a reserve officer in the Dutch cavalry. It sounds like a movie script, but this story is all too real—and only becomes more remarkable.

Hero of the Battle for The Hague

In May 1940, as World War II broke out, George was stationed in The Hague. He personally led an assault on a villa in Leidschendam that had been taken over by German troops, capturing enemy paratroopers. Brave, determined—and extremely risky. After the Dutch army surrendered, George was arrested. He was briefly released, but refused to wear the yellow Star of David as a Jew, and went into hiding.

Resistance, Betrayal, and Dachau

George joined the resistance, attempting to flee to Spain in 1943. He was betrayed and arrested by the Gestapo, then imprisoned and eventually deported to Dachau concentration camp. There, he died in February 1945, just months before the camp was liberated. He was only 28 years old.

Madurodam: A miniature city with a big heart

After the war, George’s parents wanted to honor their son’s memory. They provided the start-up capital for a miniature city—Madurodam. But this is no ordinary theme park. Located in The Hague, in the Netherlands, Madurodam is both a living monument and a charitable initiative. Its proceeds support causes like the Dutch Student Sanatorium. Since 1993, visitors are greeted by a scale model of George’s birth home in Curaçao, alongside a plaque that reads:
"In him, the Netherlands honors its war heroes from the conflict of 1940–1945."

His life on film

In 2002, George’s story was turned into a powerful documentary titled "Madurodam, monument with a smile", directed by Alfred Edelstein and Frits van Veenendaal. The film features a rare interview with Princess Beatrix, who served as the first mayor of Madurodam until her inauguration in 1980. Curaçao holds a special place in the heart of Princess Beatrix, who visits the island regularly. Like the rest of the Dutch Royal Family. The documentary shows how George’s legacy continues to resonate far beyond Curaçao and the Netherlands.

Want to see his real birthplace?

You can still find the original house in Willemstad, Curaçao. So if you ever consider moving to our sunny island, you might find yourself walking past a piece of living history every day.

Want to learn more about George or Madurodam? Visit www.madurodam.nl/en

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