Taxandriamuseum

About the museum

The Taxandriamuseum tells the history of Turnhout and the Kempen. The museum itself has a long history: as early as 1906 there was a first Kempisch Museum on the upper floor of the castle of the dukes of Brabant, at the initiative of the Historical and Antiquarian Society Taxandria, the oldest heritage association of the Kempen. In 1913 the society opened its own museum on the Mermansstraat, to plans by the provincial architect Jules Taeymans. After the First World War the building became a town museum; in 1980 the association handed over the collection to the town.

Since 1996 the museum has been housed in the Huis metten Thoren (“House with the Tower”) on the Begijnenstraat, with a modern rear extension. The house, dating from the mid-sixteenth century, is mentioned in the town annals as early as 1570 and is, after the castle, the oldest surviving townhouse in Turnhout. It was inhabited by nobles, clergy and notables; in 1649 Princess Amalia of Solms stayed there. The town bought the house in 1952; it was protected in 1958, and from 1969 until the house swap with the Taxandriamuseum the Playing Card Museum was also located there. Behind the house lies a garden in the Renaissance style.

The collection consists of objects with a connection to Turnhout and the Kempen: archaeological finds, everyday and religious objects, paintings and art objects, and pieces around themes such as the textile town of Turnhout, hunting history and folk tales. The museum forms part of Musea Turnhout, together with the Playing Card Museum and the Begijnhofmuseum.

Highlights

• Hotel Taxandria: the permanent display where historical characters such as the Women of Turnhout welcome you in the rooms
• Kant Ontrafeld (“Lace Unravelled”) in the attic on Turnhout's lace industry
• Radio Taxandria with stories of the characters in every room
• The sixteenth-century Huis metten Thoren with a Renaissance-style garden
• Children's route The guests of Hotel Taxandria and crossbow shooting in the cellar

Permanent exhibitions

• Hotel Taxandria – The permanent display in the Huis metten Thoren: historical characters connected with Turnhout and the Kempen, such as the Women of Turnhout, tell their story in every room via Radio Taxandria.
• Kant Ontrafeld – In the attic you discover Turnhout's lace production and the social history behind it, with unique historical pieces from the museum collection.

Founded

1906

Operated by

Stad Turnhout (Musea Turnhout)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Residents of Turnhout have free admission on the first Wednesday of every month. During Heritage Day and Open Monuments Day the museum is free to visit.

You buy your ticket at the desk; booking in advance is not necessary. Payment is possible in cash or by bank card, not with Payconiq. Free admission is available, among others, to holders of a Museumpas or Experience pass, ICOM members, journalists and classes (also in adult, art and evening education and integration courses); teachers without a class group pay €5. A new Museumpas costs €64.95 (€12.95 with the UiTPAS social rate).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is largely accessible to wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs; a lift connects the three levels. The cellar, the storytelling attic and the inn cannot be reached by wheelchair because of stairs. The route from the gate to reception is laid with cobblestones, and the entrance door opens outwards. At reception you can borrow two wheelchairs free of charge. There is one wheelchair-accessible toilet on the ground floor. Guide dogs are welcome. Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors can receive Radio Taxandria in Flemish Sign Language free of charge on a tablet, or request a tour with a Flemish Sign Language interpreter (€65 plus admission price). There is no dedicated parking space at the museum; holders of a parking card for persons with a disability park free of charge at public car parks in Turnhout.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The museum has been officially approved in 2026 by and for children, through the Museumpas. On the route The guests of Hotel Taxandria, children receive a task in every room (touch box, craft box or puzzle) and tick it off on a postcard. In the cellar they may shoot crossbows with cork stoppers. In Herberg Taxandria (the inn) children can draw, make crafts and dress up. The wheelchair-accessible toilet has a changing pad.

Getting there & parking

Turnhout lies next to the E34. From 25 August 2026 a new traffic plan applies in Turnhout; the Begijnenstraat will then no longer be accessible by car without the correct permit, so navigate straight to the car park of your choice. From the Grote Markt walk via the Zegeplein to the Begijnenstraat; after about 150 metres you will find the museum's entrance gate on the right.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

There is an open cloakroom and lockers that take a €2 coin, which you get back. At the front and back of the museum lies a museum garden with a terrace and picnic benches, freely accessible during opening hours; you may eat your lunch there. The museum shop is currently being renovated.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit