The 18th-century city palace of Maria Louise van Hessen-Kassel, Princess of Orange Nassau, ancestor to King Willem-Alexander, is located at the heart of Leeuwarden’s historic city centre. This building houses the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics. In 1898 Maurits Cornelis Escher, affectionately nicknamed ‘Mauk’, was born there. The finest ceramics collected in The Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics. The focus is on Asian, European and modern ceramics. The museum has the largest and most varied collection of Chinese porcelain in the Netherlands and has a rich collection of the Dutch Art Nouveau and Art Deco ceramics from the period 1880-1930. Our collections of Chinese Imperial porcelain, magnificent Art Nouveau and iconic Delft Blue objects, and works by artists such as Picasso, show that ceramics are of all times and of all ages. In addition to the permanent exhibition From East and West the museum has a lively programme of varying, much talked-about exhibitions. The museum is housed in the 18th-century city palace Mary Louise of Hesse-Kassel, Princess of Orange-Nassau, ancestor of our present king. The Princessehof is in a beautiful and easily accessible location in the historic town of Leeuwarden.
Art & Design Applied art
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
The museum is closed on New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
0 – 17 | Free |
18+ | €22.50 |
Museumkaart | €5.00 |
CJP Pass | €8.00 |
Rembrandtkaart | Valid |
Combined ticket Princessehof and Fries Museum | €25.00 |
Groups of 10+ | €19.00 |
Students | €8.00 |
Friends of Princessehof | Free |
Grote Kerkstraat 11, Leeuwarden
20 Jun 2020 – 25 Oct 2025
Permanent exhibition
31 May 2021 – 1 Aug 2021
13 Feb 2021 – 5 Sept 2021
13 Feb 2021 – 17 Oct 2021
13 Feb 2021 – 7 Nov 2021
10 Oct 2020 – 5 Sept 2021
10 Oct 2020 – 5 Sept 2021
5 Sept 2020 – 3 Jan 2021
Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics has 2 ratings.
The Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics in Leeuwarden offers a comprehensive look at the history and artistry of ceramics. Visitors appreciate the diverse collection, which spans from ancient Asian pottery to contemporary European designs. The museum is housed in a charming 18th-century palace, adding to its appeal. Exhibits are well-organized and informative, providing context for the pieces on display. Many guests find the interactive elements engaging, particularly the opportunity to try pottery-making techniques. The museum's size is manageable, allowing for a thorough exploration in a few hours. Some visitors note that certain areas could benefit from updated lighting or more detailed English translations. The gift shop receives positive mentions for its selection of ceramic items. While the museum may not cater to everyone's interests, those with an appreciation for ceramics or cultural history generally find it worthwhile. The staff is often described as helpful and knowledgeable. Overall, the Princessehof National Museum of Ceramics provides a solid cultural experience in Leeuwarden, though it may not be a top priority for all tourists visiting the Netherlands.
De expositie over Wu Zetian, de enige vrouwelijke keizer van China in keramiekmuseum Princessehof in Leeuwarden was voldoende aanleiding om weer eens naar Friesland af te reizen. Er zijn wel meer machtige keizerinnen in China geweest, maar die hebben nooit de stap gezet om zelf staatshoofd te worden. Wu Zetian (624-705) deed dat wel. Eerst was ze concubine van keizer Taizong. Toen deze stierf, in 649 werd ze de concubine van diens opvolger Gaozong. Uiteindelijk werd ze diens favoriete vrouw en dus ook keizerin. Toen Gaozong in 683 stierf regeerde Wu Zetian verder en liet ze zich tot staatshoofd uitroepen. De graftombe waarin ze naast Gaozong rust is nog steeds niet geopend. Wel zijn er objecten te zien uit andere graftombes uit haar regeerperiode. Zo weet De Princessehof de samenleving waarin Wu Zetian heerste tot leven te brengen. Uiterst verfijnd keramisch werk van hofdames en adellijke heren, paarden, maar ook bronzen objecten zoals een schitterende draak tonen de rijkdom en culturele ontwikkeling uit die tijd en die is verbazingwekkend. Echt de moeite waard. Dit keramiekmuseum is sowieso verrassend veelzijdig en alleszins de moeite van een bezoek waard. Haar vaste collectie alsmede de geschiedenis van de Friese Nassaus die met name door de aandacht voor ‘Marijke Meu’ inzichtelijk wordt gemaakt is zeer zeker aanbevelenswaardig.
Visited on 10 Dec 2024
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