De Casteelse Poort

About the museum

The museum De Casteelse Poort shows the history of the town of Wageningen. Its roots go back to the Oudheidkamer (antiquities room) of 1927; later there was a municipal historical museum, which was dissolved in 1965, and the collection was then stored in changing locations. On the initiative of the historical society Oud Wageningen, the foundation that runs today's museum was established in 1988. Since 2000 it has used the entire building and is among the first officially registered museums in Gelderland. The museum is run by around sixty volunteers.

The site itself has a history: around 1500 Karl von Geldern had a castle with garrison buildings erected here, which was destroyed by French troops in 1672. The drost (bailiff) Assueer Torck converted the ruin into a town residence, which later became a villa that Johannes Bowles, who had grown rich in the Dutch East Indies, called Villa Vada, and whose surroundings he divided into plots as the Bowlespark. In the museum's cellars, remains of a castle tower can still be seen.

In two permanent exhibitions the museum tells the town's history from the Ice Age landscape through 5,000 years of settlement, the fortress period and the agricultural school to the present day, and it devotes a hall of its own to the Second World War: here, on 5 May 1945 in Hotel De Wereld, the capitulation of the German troops began. In the adjoining Koetshuis (coach house), artists show and sell their work.

Highlights

• Historiezaal with a model of 17th-century Wageningen
• Zaal 40-45: furniture and documents of the capitulation in Hotel De Wereld
• Media tour “Waar gebeurd in Wageningen” via smartphone
• Castle tower remains in the cellar of Villa Vada
• Gallery in the Koetshuis with changing art exhibitions

Permanent exhibitions

• Historiezaal: die Geschichte der Stadt – From the Ice Age landscape through 5,000 years of settlement, fortress town and agricultural school to the present day, with a model of 17th-century Wageningen and the Uiterwaardenplan.
• Zaal 40-45: die Stadt im Zweiten Weltkrieg – Evacuation, occupation and liberation of Wageningen, including the furnishings of the capitulation negotiations of 5 May 1945 in Hotel De Wereld.

Founded

1988

Operated by

Stichting Historisch Museum Wageningen „De Casteelse Poort“

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Museumkaart and for friends of the museum.

Accessibility

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

According to its website, the museum is easily accessible for people with walking difficulties; a lift leads to the upper floor, and a wheelchair is available at the ticket desk.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

At reception there is the search booklet “Muis Mik Museumtour”; in the winter months creative workshops for children take place on Sundays. In the World War II hall there is an interactive game for young people; school projects for years 5–8.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A12 or A50, exit Wageningen; the town lies on the N225 (Arnhem–Zeist/Utrecht).

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

Coffee and tea machine in the J.J. de Goede hall; museum bookshop at reception; cafés and restaurants at the nearby market.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit