Volksbuurtmuseum
Neighbourhood museum in Utrecht's Wijk C: the De Jong family shows, to see, hear and smell, the poor working-class life of around 1920.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
A good hundred years ago, Wijk C was the most densely populated district of Utrecht: large families lived in small, often dilapidated houses, worked hard for little money and at the same time stuck closely together. From the late 1960s, residents campaigned against demolition and redevelopment; in 1974 they founded the Wijk C Committee, which collected photos and material in defence of the district.
In 1983 the neighbourhood centre opened, housing the archive and cataloguing it further. On 15 May 1993, the private photo collection with its many recorded memories became the Stichting Volksbuurtmuseum Wijk C foundation, which owns the collection. Residents contributed belongings and gave interviews so that the identity of the district stays alive. In 2011 the renewed museum opened with the reconstructed alley "De steeg".
Today the house on the Waterstraat shows how the De Jong family lived in the working-class district around 1920, and asks whether this was really the "good old days". Residents also comment on current issues of living together. The offering is complemented by temporary exhibitions, walks through Wijk C, the audio walk "Sprekend Wijk C", podcasts and a collection that can be viewed online via the Utrechts Archief. The museum is sustained by many volunteers.
Highlights
- The life of the De Jong family around 1920 to see, hear and smell
- Guided walk through Wijk C (every 1st Saturday and 3rd Sunday of the month, in Dutch)
- Audio walk "Sprekend Wijk C" through the district
- Collection online via the Utrechts Archief
- Temporary exhibitions on the city's social history
Permanent exhibition
- Familie De Jong – Leben im Arbeiterviertel um 1920 – Visitors step into the living world of the De Jong family and learn, through sounds, smells and objects, how cramped and hard life in Wijk C was.
- Founded
- 1993
- Operated by
- Stichting Nederlands Volksbuurtmuseum
- Director
- Lieve Baetens
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €3free up to age 5 · Children aged 6 to 12 €3; free up to and including age 5. |
| Groups | –Groups of more than 10 people, please register in advance by email. |
| Walk through Wijk C (1st Saturday and 3rd Sunday of the month, 2 pm) | €7.50In addition to museum admission; Museumkaart not valid; takes place with 3 or more participants. |
| Group walk Wijk C (10 people) | €65Each additional person €5, maximum 15 people; in addition to admission; request at least two weeks in advance. |
Free with Museumkaart, U-pas valid. A Museumkaart cannot be purchased at the ticket desk. Tickets online or at the ticket desk.
Accessibility
- 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
All rooms are accessible for prams and standard wheelchairs, and a lift leads to the upper floor; one small room on the mezzanine can only be reached by stairs. Two disabled parking spaces on the Waterstraat, loading and drop-off zone at the museum.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
Separate children's price and educational programmes for school years 1–8 (interactive, for example with hand washing and smell stations).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Jacobsstraat
Within walking distance of Utrecht Centraal station; several bus lines stop at the Jacobsstraat stop diagonally opposite the museum.
By car
Paid parking · 5-min walk to the entrance
Two large car parks nearby (Paardenveld and La Vie, about 5 minutes on foot). Cheapest option: P+R Utrecht (ticket €6 for the whole day including public transport).
- Accessible parking
The museum is located directly behind the Bijenkorf department store and the Jacobikerk. Easy to reach by bike.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant: not available
- Museum shop
In the reception area (museum café) there are coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine as well as pastries from Bakkerij Blom; small museum shop with books, postcards and candles.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The walk through Wijk C begins with a short introductory film. School, after-school care (BSO) and group visits with museum educators by registration. The audio walk "Sprekend Wijk C" is freely available. |
