The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen brings stories of the people who once lived on the shores of the Zuiderzee to life. Discover the everyday life round the Zuiderzee as it was before the Afsluitdijk (the great IJsselmeer Barrier Dam) turned the former inland sea into what we now know as the IJsselmeer, in 1932. These stories are visualized the Zuiderzee village with its historic buildings, and in the Treasure House through thematic exhibitions. The Zuiderzee village Stroll through the historical Zuiderzee village where more than 140 authentic buildings from around the former Zuiderzee form a complete village. Meet Zuiderzee locals full of character. Watch craftsmen such as the blacksmith and the rag-and-bone man at work. They will be happy to show you what was and is still possible! Find out all about net-knitting, rope-making and a lot more. The Treasure House Discover the treasures of the Zuiderzee in the Treasure House. Admire the unique collection of historical wooden ships in the Ships Hall or dive into the Sea of stories exhibition and meet former, as well as current residents of the Zuiderzee region. Learn everything about their daily lives, traditional dress, houses and leisure activities and about the eternal battle against the water and the Afsluitdijk that changed everything.
History & Anthropology Art & Design Local Open air Modern art Contemporary art Profession & Craft Ethnology Ancient art
#15 Art & Design in the Netherlands #8 History & Anthropology in the Netherlands #2 Ancient art museums in the Netherlands #5 Contemporary art museums in the Netherlands #1 Ethnology museums in the Netherlands #1 Local museums in the Netherlands #8 Modern art museums in the Netherlands #5 Open air museums in the Netherlands #2 Profession & craft museums in the Netherlands #7 Art & Design in North Holland #4 History & Anthropology in North Holland #2 Ancient art museums in North Holland #2 Contemporary art museums in North Holland #1 Ethnology museums in North Holland #1 Local museums in North Holland #3 Modern art museums in North Holland #2 Open air museums in North Holland #1 Profession & craft museums in North Holland #99 Ancient art museums in Europe #91 Contemporary art museums in Europe #53 Ethnology museums in Europe #10 Local museums in Europe #103 Modern art museums in Europe #37 Open air museums in Europe #20 Profession & craft museums in Europe
Monday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Tuesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Wednesday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Thursday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Friday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
Sunday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
The Treasure House is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Zuiderzee Village is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from April to October.
Wierdijk 12-22, Enkhuizen
29 Mar 2025 – 26 Oct 2025
Permanent exhibition
12 May 2025 – 18 May 2025
28 Apr 2025 – 4 May 2025
13 Dec 2024 – 5 Jan 2025
24 Nov 2024 – 1 Dec 2024
26 Oct 2024 – 3 Nov 2024
26 Oct 2024 – 2 Nov 2024
11 Oct 2024 – 30 Mar 2025
Zuiderzee Museum has 4 ratings.
The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen offers visitors a glimpse into the Dutch maritime past. Located on the former Zuiderzee (now IJsselmeer), this open-air museum showcases traditional buildings, crafts, and ways of life from the old Zuiderzee region. Visitors appreciate the authentic atmosphere and the opportunity to experience how people lived and worked in the area before the construction of the Afsluitdijk in 1932.
The museum is divided into two main sections: the indoor museum and the outdoor museum. The indoor section houses a collection of historical artifacts, including traditional costumes, fishing equipment, and maritime paintings. Visitors find this part informative, but some note that it could benefit from more interactive displays.
The outdoor section is the highlight for most visitors. It features over 140 reconstructed buildings from various Zuiderzee towns, creating a living village atmosphere. Guests enjoy walking through the streets, entering old houses, and interacting with staff dressed in period costumes who demonstrate traditional crafts and skills. The smokehouse, shipyard, and fishermen's quarters are particularly popular attractions.
Many visitors praise the museum for its educational value, especially for families and school groups. The hands-on activities, such as rope-making and sail-mending demonstrations, are engaging for children and adults alike. The museum also offers boat rides on traditional vessels, which many find to be a memorable experience.
However, some visitors mention that the museum can get crowded during peak seasons, which can detract from the overall experience. A few also note that the pricing is on the higher side, although most feel it's justified given the scope and quality of the exhibits.
The museum's restaurant receives mixed reviews. While some enjoy the traditional Dutch fare offered, others find it overpriced and suggest bringing a picnic instead.
Accessibility could be improved, as some of the old buildings and uneven surfaces can be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Overall, the Zuiderzee Museum is well-regarded for its immersive approach to Dutch maritime history and culture. It offers a unique and educational experience that most visitors find worthwhile, despite some minor drawbacks.
This rating does not include a review.
Heel leuk museum! Vanaf het VVV-kantoor vaart een boot naar de ingang van het museumpark. Dit is een mooi tochtje, waarbij je Enkhuizen vanaf het water kunt bewonderen. De huizen geven een goed beeld van de leefomstandigheden van voor de afsluiting van de Zuiderzee. We hebben een erg leuke dag gehad!
Visited on 22 Jun 2016
Een erg leuk museum dat geschikt is voor alle leeftijden. Onder meer worden ambachten, de historische panden, schepen en de visserij uitgelicht. Voor kinderen zeker genoeg te doen!
Visited on 3 Apr 2016
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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