ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concept of miniature theme parks and in particular the Dutch park of Madurodam, before elaborating on the urban phenomena of leisure time. It discusses the models of the flaneur by Baudelaire and Benjamin, and De Certeau's voyeur. The chapter explains how concept of miniature theme parks function within the Madurodam theme park experience. Madurodam is a miniature theme park in The Hague, the Netherlands. It is one of the first parks of its kind in the world, and opened its doors in 1952. The touristic experience of Madurodam is an interesting one. It is an escapist move from the city to another, miniature, city, which is placed within the former. In the Madurodam themepark, one is not allowed to touch the buildings or the figurines. In Madurodam, the legendary Hansje Brinker, the 'real' windmills, delta works, Schiphol airport, churches and fictional characters of the Dutch film Wiplala were placed on the same premises, without distinction.
