Language & literature museums in the Netherlands

Museum Meermanno is housed in the former house of Baron Van Westreenen of Tiellandt. The museum is dedicated to books from both the present and the past. The permanent exhibition focuses on the development and the design of books. The museum features a 19th century book room, where incunabula, the e

The Bolsward City Hall, a 17th-century structure, is a significant historical site in the Dutch city of Bolsward. It has been repurposed and is currently serving as a municipal desk, café, and library. This multi-purpose use of the building adds to its charm and makes it a point of interest for tourists who can appreciate its historical significance while enjoying modern amenities.

Museum Hindeloopen illustrates the history of the former ‘Zuiderzee’ town. Objects such as Hindeloopen paintings, Hindeloopen costumes and interiors are on display in various rooms. In addition, the museum covers the merchant navy. There is also a reconstruction of a Hindeloopen house from around 17

Learn all about the Nazi persecution of the Jews in the Netherlands. The National Holocaust Museum tells the story of the Nazi persecution and murder of the Jews of the Netherlands. Before the Second World War, Jews and non-Jews lived side by side. They had the same rights. But during the war, the

The Multatuli Museum is located in the Multatuli House, the birthplace of the 19th century Dutch writer Eduard Douwes Dekker. The writer is also known as Multatuli, his pseudonym. The collection illustrates the work and life of Eduard Douwes Dekker and includes his desk, books, a globe, utensils and

Tresoar is the Frisian literary and historical centre. Besides a museum, it is also an archive, library and documentation centre. It houses a collection of information sources on various Frisian topics, including highlights of the Frisian literature, films about the ‘Elfstedentocht’ and plans of Fri

The Koppelkerk is a former church that was transformed into a sanctuary for art and culture over ten years ago. Come and soak up the culture in the picturesque book town of Bredevoort. During the day, the Koppelkerk is a museum with changing exhibitions; in the evening it transforms to a stage fo

The Louis Couperus Museum is dedicated to the Dutch writer Louis Couperus. The collection consists of objects that are related to Couperus. The collection includes a portrait of his father and his office, but also a plastic effigy of the dressed in a 19th century costume. In addition, the museum exh

Museum Betje Wolff is housed in a former rectory. The name of the museum is derived from the 18th century Dutch writer Elizabeth (Betje) Wolff, who lived in the house during her marriage. The ‘style rooms’ illustrate three centuries of working and living in the Beemster area. The library contains ne

The Persmuseum is the repository for the Dutch journalistic heritage. The collection includes newspapers and magazines from 1600, political posters and drawings. The permanent exhibition illustrates four hundred years of news in the Netherlands. The exhibition features the creation of the press in t

Bijzondere Collecties is part of the University of Amsterdam. It includes the heritage of the University of Amsterdam. The collection consists of more than a thousand separate collections, including collections of rare and precious books, prints, photographs and manuscripts. Central topics are book

R.S.O.L. Art Space Deventer brings current developments in contemporary art into focus with presentations of limited size but great significance. Away from commercial interests and other aspects involved in the art world, R.S.O.L. Art Space shows new work by Dutch and international artists and conne

Drukkerijmuseum Meppel tells a dynamic story of communication. The museum displays various objects, materials and facts. The story begins in a prehistoric cave where the first signs of prehistoric men are covered which consisted of scratches in stone, paintings in caves and visual language. The muse

The Drukkunstmuseum is housed in a 19th century house. The museum illustrates the history of printing. Among other things, the museum features an old ‘drukkerij’ from around 1900 where a number of old printing presses are exhibited that are still functional. There are three central themes in the mus

It Gysbert Japicxhûs is dedicated to the important Frisian writer Gysbert Japicx, who lived in Bolsward from 1603 to 1666. Besides focussing on this writer, the museum is also dedicated to the Frisian language. There are five ongoing exhibitions. One of the exhibitions illustrates the life and poetr

ABOUT THE MUSEUM Embark on a journey of discovery through 2,000 years of accumulated wisdom, inspired by the images and texts from the collection of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica. The Embassy of the Free Mind is a museum and offers a journey of discovery through a hidden, yet inspiring

The Brinkhuis in Laren (Nh) is a village hall with a cinema, theatre, (h)Art Gallery, library and exhibition spaces. Every day you can view the current exhibitions for free in both the foyers and the library. The exhibitions change regularly.

The Literary Museum (Literatuurmuseum) is dedicated to Dutch literature and Dutch authors. It pays a tribute to the literary heritage of the Netherlands. The collection of the museum consists of various objects related to the life and work of literary authors, including manuscripts, love letters, il

The Kinderboekenmuseum is part of the Literatuurmuseum, which aims to increase appreciation and interest in literature. In The Kinderboekenmuseum, the visitor discovers, experiences, and makes the most beautiful stories. In a playful way, the visitor learns about children's literature and undergoes

The Nederlands Drukkerij Museum is dedicated to printing. The museum focusses on old graphics crafts, such as the printer, the typesetter and the bookbinder. The museum’s collection includes a collection of printing presses, typesetting machines, staplers and folding and sewing machines to bind book

Collectie Brands is the collection that Jans Brands collected since his childhood. The museum is housed in the farm of the Brands family. The collection consists of approximately 70,000 objects, of which 30,000 are books. Additionally the collection includes coins, cards, various slides, jewellery,

Museum Oude Boekdrukkunst is a ‘working’ printing museum. Visitors learn about the way in which books used to be made. The collection of the museum includes ‘zetbokken’, stair tiles, monograms from the lead era and woodcuts. In addition, the museum exhibits posters and prints from the Second World W

Museum De Bommelzolder displays the entire oeuvre of Dutch comic book author Marten Toonder. In addition to his comics, the museum displays puzzles, posters, tableware and clothing.