Boerenbondsmuseum

About the museum

The Boerenbondsmuseum is located in the hamlet of Pandelaar on the edge of Gemert, at the birthplace of Father Gerlacus van den Elsen. He is regarded as the founder of several agricultural cooperatives and the Boerenleenbank, and also founded the Noordbrabantse Christelijke Boerenbond (NCB). A memorial plaque from 1946 on the façade commemorates him. The museum was founded in 1985 around this birthplace.

On the grounds, the open-air museum shows the life of North Brabant farmers around 1900. Visitors can see original farms and craftsmen's houses, a smithy, a clog-maker's workshop, a weaver's cottage, a hand-operated dairy, a village school, a small shop with café and the former NCB destruction building. Around the buildings lie gardens, fields and orchards that are worked as far as possible as they were back then; at the end of a cart track stands the field chapel for Saint Gerlachus, the patron saint of cattle.

In season there are demonstrations and activity days on Sundays, when butter and cheese are made, bread is baked and old crafts are shown. The collection includes an exhibition of Brabant costumes, bonnets and poffers in the school building as well as a solar-powered replica of the historic steam tram "De Goede Moordenaar" between Helmond and ’s-Hertogenbosch.

Highlights

• Brabant village around 1900 with farms, smithy, clog-maker's workshop and weaver's cottage
• Sunday demonstrations of old crafts (butter, cheese, bread)
• Children's farm ’t Prullekes Höfke and old orchard
• Collection of Brabant costumes and bonnets
• Replica of the tram "De Goede Moordenaar" with rides

Permanent exhibitions

• Brabants dorp anno 1900 – Original farms and craftsmen's houses – smithy, clog-maker's workshop, weaver's cottage, hand dairy, village school and shop – with demonstrations of old crafts and historic gardens and fields.
• Brabantse klederdracht – In the school building, a large collection of Brabant poffers, bonnets and clothing for women, children and men shows the fashion of the early 20th century.
• De Goede Moordenaar – Replica of the historic steam tram between Helmond and ’s-Hertogenbosch, now with solar drive and pneumatic tyres, for rides through the municipality of Gemert.

Founded

1985

Admission & discounts

Tickets online or at the ticket desk. The Museumkaart and the VriendenLoterij VIP card are not valid. E-tickets are valid until 1 November 2026 (except for special events with their own ticket).

Accessibility

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

The museum, village square and most buildings are accessible to wheelchair users, and the main building has a lift. Fields, arable land, the field chapel, the NCB building and the Kortgevelhof are on unpaved paths that are hard to navigate in rain; the field chapel is far off the beaten track (not recommended with a wheelchair); the attic of the weaver's cottage is not accessible because of the steep stairs. A few wheelchairs and rollators are available to borrow (cannot be reserved). Special parking spaces for people with disabilities. Guide dogs and assistance dogs allowed (register at the ticket desk); other dogs not allowed. Dementia-friendly tours.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

Children's farm ’t Prullekes Höfke with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, donkeys, geese, chickens and a pot-bellied pig. Sunday demonstrations and activities for all age groups as well as seasonal family days (e.g. Dorsdag, Pompoendag, Dorp van Sinterklaas).

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the Gemert–Veghel road (N616), about a 30-minute drive from Eindhoven and ’s-Hertogenbosch; it is signposted in Gemert. The entrance is near cycle junction 75.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The main building Hove Vogelsanck serves soup, snacks, pastries and ice cream; the café De Roskam serves drinks only (including the house beer Boerenapostel). In summer, pancakes are served on Sundays at the village square. Food and drink brought from outside are not allowed in the restaurant, on the terrace, on the village square and in the café. Shop with sweets and regional products.

Events & venue rental

The tram replica "De Goede Moordenaar" can be booked for rides, weddings and parties (at least one month in advance).

Plan your visit