Looking for a nice museum in Utrecht? Then you have plenty of choice! Watch trains at the Railway Museum, visit Miffy or hop on your bike (or bus) to the famous Rietveld Schröder House.
Many museums are located in the museum quarter in the center of Utrecht, just behind Oudegracht. It is a beautiful part of the center and even if you don’t visit a museum, it is highly recommended for a peaceful city walk!
Sterrenwacht (observatory) Sonnenborgh
At Sterrenwacht Sonnenborgh you can learn everything about the universe, the sun and how a telescope works. Sonnenborgh is an observatory from the 19th century and is built on a defensive stronghold from the 16th century. On the outskirts of Utrecht center, located near the water of the canal (Singel). Also fun to visit with slightly older children!
University Museum with Oude Hortus (Botanical Garden)
Not only at the Sonnenborgh Observatory, but also at the University Museum, there is plenty to discover for the young researchers amongst us. This research museum is linked to the scientific research that is being done at Utrecht University. Behind the museum is the Oude Hortus, a small botanical oasis in the middle of the center. This garden can also be visited separately.
The Utrecht Archives
If you want to know everything about the history of Utrecht, immerse yourself in the collection of The Utrecht Archives. The collection contains more than 30 kilometres of visual material and archives about the history of the city and province of Utrecht. Visit the museum for a great interactive storyline, next to some temporary exhibits.
Did you know that the history of Utrecht dates back to the Romans? Visit DomUnder and learn all about this history as you are guided through the archaeological excavations underneath Dom square.
Museum Catharijneconvent
Museum Catharijneconvent shows religious art in the halls of a medieval monastry. Both with permanent (medieval paintings) and temporary exhibitions. And if Sinterklaas is in the country (end of November – early December), he will stay in the museum and you can visit him!
Centraal Museum
The Centraal Museum has both a permanent and a temporary collection. Its collection is diverse: from Gerrit Rietveld’s designs up to some great artifacts belonging to the city of Utrecht. The museum also offers a hidden-gem terrace in the beautiful courtyard in Museum Café Centraal (also accessible to non-museum visitors!). Museum tickets can also be bought upfront via get your guide.
Read further for more Utrecht terrace tips!
Miffy museum
If you are visiting Utrecht with a toddler or preschooler, the Miffy museum is an absolute must! The renovated museum is large and a true play paradise. The kids can play and learn here. From cutting vegetables in the large kitchen to cycling, driving a car and much more on the beautiful traffic square. And, of course, they can find out anything there is about Miffy’s house and life. Be sure to buy your tickets online at the Miffy museum website!
Did you know that you can also spend the night in a true Miffy room in the center of Utrecht? Book your overnight stay in the Miffy Room here!
Railway Museum
One of the best museums in Utrecht is the Railway Museum! For young and old. In the Maliebaan station, dating back to 1874, you can view many different trains (inside and outside). But you can also dream away during a trip with the Orient Express, do tests in the tech lab and much more. You will as well find one of the first steam trains of the Netherlands here.
And besides spending the night in a Miffy room, you can also book an overnight stay between the trains in a railway station room here (including entrance ticket to the museum)! If you only want to go to the museum, you can buy your ticket here for your visit to the Railway Museum!
Rietveld Schröder House
In Utrecht East you can find a very special house, designed and inhabited as a real home (until 1985). The Rietveld Schröder House was designed by the famous Dutch designer Gerrit Rietveld, especially for Truus Schröder, completely in the style of the De Stijl art movement. Also for the Rietveld Schröder House, museum tickets can be bought in advance.
Museum Speelklok (music machines)
If you and your children love music, then Museum Speelklok is fun to visit. This museum is full of self-playing musical instruments: From small music boxes to large, typical Dutch street organs. You can already buy your ticket for Museum Speelklok here.
In for more Utrecht tips? Check out my other Utrecht blogs full of lunch tips and self-guided walking routes or follow me on instagram!
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