The History of Netherlands Open Air Museum
The Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem began with a suggestion made in April 1912. The establishment of the park followed this idea, and it was officially founded on 24 April 1912. After several years of development, the site opened to the public in July 1918. The museum focuses on the culture of everyday life and the traditions of ordinary people, preserving the old ways of life in the Netherlands through its collection of buildings and artifacts.
During the middle of the twentieth century, the institution underwent a change in identity. In 1941, it was renamed Rijksmuseum Voor Volkskunde. The museum has continued to maintain its significance in the preservation of regional history and craftsmanship. This dedication to historical accuracy and the preservation of the Dutch way of life led to the museum receiving the European Museum of the Year Award in 2005.
A Journey Through Dutch Life and Traditions
The landscape of the park covers approximately 44 hectares, where the atmosphere of the past remains tangible through the presence of around forty buildings. These structures, including antique houses, farms, and factories, provide a physical context for the culture associated with the everyday lives of ordinary people. The site offers a direct look at the old way of life in the Netherlands, preserved through the preservation of specific trades and domestic settings.
The rhythms of historical industry are visible in the demonstrations of paper production, linseed production, and beer brewing. These processes connect the physical environment to the labor that once sustained local communities. Within the collection, historic clothing and jewellery offer a more intimate perspective on the people who inhabited these spaces, providing a sense of the material reality of previous centuries.
The following works held in the museum's catalog reflect these historical themes:
- Interior with Three Women in the Dress of Walcheren, 1875–1929 - Gerard Portielje
- Woman in Costume of the Zuid-Hollandse Eilanden, 1849 - Jan Hendrik van de Laar
- Baker in Frisian Dress, with Newborn, 1888 - Benjamin Prins
- The Processing of Hemp, 1784 - Gerrit van den Heuvel
Exhibitions and Activities at the Museum
The museum provides a tangible connection to the past through its diverse collection of historical sites and living history. A heritage tram line, established in 1996, spans 1750 m across the grounds. This collection features electric trams that once navigated the streets of Amsterdam, Arnhem, Rotterdam, and The Hague. Moving through the landscape by rail offers a specific perspective on the scale of the museum's holdings.
Seasonal shifts bring distinct atmospheres to the grounds. The Winterseizoen, held from 5 December 2026 to 10 January 2027, transforms the environment for the colder months. For those interested in the complexities of the mid-twentieth century, the GPS-speurtocht: Het museum tijdens WOII provides a focused look at the museum's experience during the Second World War. The Indisch achtererf and the Kindererf offer specialized areas for exploring specific cultural and social histories.
Visiting Information and Facilities
The museum provides several amenities to support a visit. A restaurant and a museumwinkel are available on the grounds. For those arriving by car, parking facilities are provided on-site. The museum also accepts the Netherlands Museum Pass, which is valid for entry.
Admission prices are structured by age. Adult tickets are priced at € 22,40. Young Person tickets and Kids tickets are both € 39. For children between the ages of 4 and 12, the cost is € 16,50. Children aged 0 to 3 years enter free of charge.
