Historisch Museum Vriezenveen

About the museum

The museum is housed in the former town hall of the former municipality of Vriezenveen in the middle of the village; the building belongs to the municipality of Twenterand and is looked after by the Oud Vriezenveen association. The association was founded on 20 May 1949 by Mayor Henri Willem Karel Ridder Huyssen van Kattendyke and Herman Jansen. Jansen is regarded as the founder of the former "Museum Oud Vriezenveen", which was also known as the Oudheidkamer.

The collection is divided into three themes. The first is the Rusluie: merchants from Vriezenveen traded with Saint Petersburg from 1720 to 1917, where they ran trading houses and shops on the Nevsky Prospect and in the Gostiny Dvor. Their heyday was between 1850 and 1870; some Vriezenveeners there rose to become purveyors to the court or even admirals.

The second theme is the textile industry, which shaped life in Twente for generations and, with linen, also sustained the Russia trade. One section is devoted to the firm Jansen & Tilanus, whose name became synonymous with underwear in the Netherlands. The collection of knitting, weaving and sewing machines is partly still in working order.

The third theme is village history, which begins more than 650 years ago with the reclamation of the high moor by the "Vrije Vriezen". Among other things, it documents the great fire of 16 May 1905, the dialect and the resistance raid on the Dutch Bank in Almelo in November 1944. The old council chamber with its stained-glass windows also serves as a wedding room.

Highlights

• Russian section on the Rusluie and the trade with Saint Petersburg
• Textile section with knitting, weaving and sewing machines, some still in working order
• Dedicated section on the underwear brand Jansen & Tilanus
• Documentation of the great fire of 1905
• Historic council chamber with stained-glass windows used as a wedding room

Permanent exhibitions

• Rusluie – Russische Abteilung – Pictures and documents on the trade between Vriezenveen and Saint Petersburg from 1720 to 1917, including the travel account of a 14-year-old.
• Textilindustrie – Knitting, weaving and sewing machines as well as a section on Jansen & Tilanus and other textile firms of the village.
• Dorfgeschichte – From the moor colonisation through the dialect and the great fire of 1905 to the war years.

Operated by

Vereniging Oud Vriezenveen

Admission & discounts

Free for members of the Oud Vriezenveen association and with the Museumkaart.

Accessibility

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

Ramps are available, thresholds are considered passable; a wheelchair is available. Official assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Dedicated educational programmes for primary schools; children up to 12 years have free admission.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Westeinde opposite the Grote Kerk.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop and web shop. Coffee, tea and Krentenwegge are offered to groups according to the price list.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The historic council chamber can be booked as a wedding room (Mon–Fri €150, Sat €250); corporate events and presentations are possible, room rental €30 per part of the day.

Plan your visit