There is plenty to see and do in Utrecht. Especially if you enjoy learning about European and Dutch history. Here are the top 8 museums in Utrecht you can not miss, such as Museum Speelklok, Botanische Tuinen, Centraal Museum, Museum Catharijneconvent, and more.
What Is Utrecht Famous For?
The Dom Tower, a historic bell tower dating back to the 14th century, is well-known in Utrecht. The Treaty of Utrecht, one of the first significant international peace negotiations at the end of the 18th century, is also associated with the city. Utrecht is the country’s fourth largest city, with a distinct and historic city center and canal belt.
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A Brief History Of Utrecht
The city of Utrecht has a long history. The city began to grow in the seventh century AD, but there was also a settlement during Roman times. During this time, the site of what is now the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands was nothing more than a Roman fort. As a result, the Romans were able to safely cross the Rhine River. It is also the origin of the name Utrecht. A fort was called a Traiectum in Roman, which became “Trecht” in the old Dutch language. The Romans left the city around 275AD, and the city did not develop until the 7th century.
The remains of the Roman Fort can still be seen while visiting the DomUnder museum beneath the famous Dom Tower.
Utrecht became the center of Christianity in the Netherlands in the centuries that followed. After Frankish leader Frank Martel named the fortress of Utrecht the base of the Bishops, Utrecht became the most important place for bishops. The archbishops of Utrecht rose to prominence, and their influence spread throughout Europe. The fact that Adriaan Florenszoon Boeyens, who was born in Utrecht, was elected Pope (the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church) in 1522 is the best proof of their significance.
Top 8 Museums In Utrecht
Museum Speelklok
Enter the fantastic world of automatic playing instruments and be amazed by the cheerful music in Museum Speelklok. You will learn about the stories of each instrument, from the smallest music box to the largest street organs, by listening to and experiencing it. You can hear the instruments play live during the Musical Tour or explore the museum during the Museum Expedition. Toon, the organ monkey, will lead children on a tour of the museum and allow them to compose and perform their own music. Aside from its regular collection, the museum hosts a variety of exhibitions and activities throughout the year.
Het Spoorwegmuseum
The Railway Museum is housed in the 1874 ‘Maliebaanstation.’ The museum is a museum park that tells the story of nearly 175 years of railways in the Netherlands. Steam and diesel locomotives, electric locomotives, carriages, and trams are all part of the museum’s collection. The museum is divided into various worlds. The visitor travels through the history of railways in these worlds.
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Rietveld Schröder House
Gerrit Rietveld designed the Rietveld Schröder House in 1924. The house was completely designed in accordance with the ideas of the De Stijl art movement and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Visitors can see how adaptable and multifunctional the central “living room” on the first floor is. The Centraal Museum manages the property and leads tours through it.
Botanische Tuinen Utrecht
The Botanische Tuinen Utrecht is seven hectares in size and was built on and around Fort Hoofddijk in the nineteenth century. There are six different gardens to choose from. Various herb plants can be found in the rock garden. Plants to smell and feel are featured in the theme garden. The animal garden is designed for small animals, while the system garden is filled with old plants. Tropical plants grow in the tropical greenhouse, and the ‘Buitenfort’ includes a natural botanical garden.
Museum Catharijneconvent
Catharijneconvent Museum is housed in a 15th-century medieval monastery. It commemorates the history and presence of Christianity in the Netherlands. The museum displays old and contemporary art, as well as various other objects that tell the story of Christianity. The permanent collection is diverse, including Rembrandt paintings, gold and silver objects, sculptures of saints and Mary, ancient manuscripts, rosaries, and video art.
Centraal Museum
The Centraal Museum was founded in 1420 in the Saint Agnes Convent. The eclectic collection includes old, modern, and applied art, as well as objects from the city’s history, such as historical costumes and antiquities. Van Baaren’s collection of 19th and early 20th-century art is significant in the museum. The museum features works by Dutch painters Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondriaan, as well as works by Utrecht painter Theo van Doesburg and the Utrecht Caravaggists. The Centraal Museum includes the Rietveld Schröder House and the nijntje museum (formerly known as the Dick Bruna House).
Miffy Museum (Nijntje Museum)
The Miffy Museum is part of Utrecht’s Centraal Museum. The museum is named after Miffy, a character created by Utrecht artist Dick Bruna. It is the museum where toddlers and preschoolers can playfully explore Miffy’s world.
University Museum Utrecht
Utrecht University Museum displays collections from the University of Utrecht. The collection includes skeletons, mounted animals, and a particle accelerator, and it provides an overview of the University of Utrecht’s research. The museum also has a cabinet of curiosities with special objects like a pufferfish on display, as well as a ‘bleulandkabinet’ with mostly skeletons on display. Visitors to The Knowledge Lab learn about science. There is a Youth Lab for children where they can conduct experiments. Visitors can also visit the museum garden ‘de Oude Hortus,’ which features rare trees and plants.
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