Volksbuurtmuseum and its collection

Volksbuurtmuseum
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The working-class neighborhood used to be a neighborhood where "the common people" lived, often in small houses in poor condition. Every city had its working-class neighborhoods. Utrecht had Wijk C, once so named because the French occupiers could not (or would not) pronounce the Dutch names. Wijk C was Utrecht's most densely populated neighborhood 100 years ago. In the district, large families lived in small hovels. The residents lived mostly outside. Everyone had to work very hard for a few cents and there was a lot of poverty. But there was also much togetherness and solidarity. Although Wijk C is the only district in Utrecht still referred to by a letter, the neighborhood has changed a lot in the meantime. The working-class neighborhood of 100 years ago no longer exists, but it has resulted in the Volksbuurt Museum. We still live close together and there are all kinds of challenges in living together. Step into the life of the De Jong family and discover the big and small stories of ordinary life in a working-class neighborhood in Utrecht. Maybe after this you will look at your neighborhood with a completely different perspective!

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NLVolksbuurtmuseum Wijk C

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Specialized & Alternative Specialized & Alternative Local Miscellaneous Profession & Craft

Volksbuurtmuseum
Waterstraat 27
3511 BW Utrecht

Visitor information Volksbuurtmuseum

Opening hours

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

Closed on Mondays (except Easter Monday and Whit Monday).
The museum is closed on King's Day (April 27), Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and January 1.

Admission

0 – 5Free
6 – 12€3.00
13+€7.50
MuseumkaartValid

Facilities

Museum shop
Parking
Coffee
Wheelchair accessible
Audio tour

Location & Map

Waterstraat 27, Utrecht

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Volksbuurtmuseum Reviews

Volksbuurtmuseum has 3 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Volksbuurtmuseum in Utrecht offers visitors a look into the daily life and history of working-class neighborhoods in the city. Located in a former fire station, the museum showcases exhibits on local traditions, household items, and social developments from the late 19th to mid-20th century.

    Visitors appreciate the museum's efforts to preserve and present the cultural heritage of Utrecht's working-class communities. The displays feature period rooms, old photographs, and various artifacts that help illustrate the living conditions and experiences of past generations. Many find the recreated living spaces particularly engaging, as they provide a tangible connection to the past.

    However, some visitors note that the museum is relatively small and can be explored in about an hour. The information provided is mainly in Dutch, which can be a drawback for international tourists. While efforts have been made to include some English translations, they are not comprehensive throughout the exhibits.

    The museum's strength lies in its focus on local history and its ability to evoke nostalgia among Dutch visitors, especially those with connections to Utrecht. It offers an authentic glimpse into the city's working-class past, but may not appeal as strongly to those seeking a more extensive or broader historical perspective.

    In terms of facilities, the museum is generally well-maintained, though some visitors mention that it could benefit from updates to make it more interactive or accessible to a wider audience. The staff is often described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience for those who engage with them.

    Overall, the Volksbuurtmuseum provides a niche historical experience that is particularly valuable for those interested in local Dutch social history. While it may not be a top attraction for all visitors to Utrecht, it offers a unique perspective on the city's cultural heritage.

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  • A
    Anita • 11 Feb 2025

    Ik woon al jaren in Utrecht en had hier echt eerder heen moeten gaan! Klein museum met een mooie tentoonstelling over het leven in Wijk C, een oude Utrechtse volksbuurt. Indrukwekkend om te horen, zien en ruiken hoe men toen leefde. En ook hoeveel optimisme en saamhorigheid er toch was. Heel leuk. Ook gezellig ouderwets koffiehuisje bij de entree.

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    Visited on 4 Feb 2025

  • J
    Jim • 26 Dec 2017

    This rating does not include a review.

    Visited on 13 May 2017

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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