Discover the best museums in Oudewater and find out about the things to see and to do, exhibitions, opening hours, prices and discounts in the list of museums in Oudewater, or apply filters and navigate through the map.

Oudewater is a small, historic town located in the western part of the Netherlands, in the Province of Utrecht. Situated along the Hollandse IJssel river, this charming municipality has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Oudewater received city rights in 1265 and has preserved much of its medieval character, with picturesque canals, historic buildings, and quaint streets.

The town is perhaps best known for its unique cultural heritage site, the Witches' Weighhouse (Heksenwaag). In the 16th and 17th centuries, Oudewater's weighhouse was the only place in Europe where people accused of witchcraft could get an official certificate proving they were not a witch. This unusual history has made Oudewater a point of interest for those fascinated by European witch hunts and folklore.

Oudewater's economy was historically based on rope-making, utilizing hemp grown in the surrounding areas. This legacy is still visible in the town's architecture and local museums. Today, while maintaining its historical charm, Oudewater serves as a quiet residential area and tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Dutch life and architecture.

The town's cultural scene, though modest in size, is vibrant. Local museums, art galleries, and annual events celebrate both the town's history and contemporary Dutch culture. Oudewater's location in the Green Heart (Groene Hart) of the Netherlands also makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding countryside, known for its polders, windmills, and typical Dutch landscapes.

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Museums in Oudewater

This overview contains all museums in and around Oudewater. Curious about which museums there are in Oudewater? These are the museums:

Exhibitions in Oudewater

This is a selection of exhibitions in and around Oudewater. Both current temporary as well as permanent exhibitions are listed. Visit the page of a museum to find out more about their activities and exhibitions. Want to know what is on display in Oudewater? The following exhibitions are on display: