Houweling Telecom Museum
Volunteer-run telecommunications museum in a still-active telephone exchange from 1923 in Rotterdam-Noord, with 15 working switching systems.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Houweling Telecom Museum preserves the heritage of telecommunications from 1880 to 2010, as it emerged from the PTT and KPN. The collection comes from the association of former KPN employees in the Rijnmond/Rotterdam region and has been held since 1 April 2019 by the Foundation of Friends of the Museum. The name commemorates a former director.
The museum is located in an industrial building from 1923 that was built as the telephone exchange for Rotterdam-Noord and still is one today; many of the technical exhibits are part of the building. On show are a great many old and modern telephones, telephone booths, 15 working switching systems, teleprinters, fax machines, radio distribution, clocks, cables, measuring instruments for cable faults and mobile telephony, as well as tools and clothing. Much of it works down to the last detail.
The museum is run by around 25 volunteers, all former PTT and KPN employees. A fire in the museum in 2021 interrupted operations; it has since reopened. Because KPN is in a period of upheaval, the future of the site is not secure; a move out would probably mean the end of the museum. It is therefore seeking publicity and support.
Highlights
- 15 telephone exchanges that still work
- Telephones, telephone booths, telex and fax machines from 1880 to 2010
- Museum in a still-active exchange from 1923
- Free tours led by former PTT/KPN employees
- Exhibition on telephony in wartime and on the T65 telephone
Permanent exhibition
- Telefonie in Kriegszeiten – Historical exhibition on the role of telephony in wartime, with, for example, the map of the nodes of the illegal telephone network and images of the bombing of Rotterdam.
- Founded
- 1971
- Operated by
- Stichting Vrienden van het Houweling Telecom Museum
- Director
- Hans Noordhoek
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Children & teens | €2.50only for visits on days other than Tuesday; children under 14 only with an adult |
|---|---|
| Groups (8+ people) | €5 per personper person for a visit on other days, minimum €40 per group (from 8 people) |
| Visit on other days or additional date Saturday 14 November 2026 (per person) | €5Children €2.50; minimum €40 per group |
On Tuesdays, according to the website, a visit with a tour is free of charge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
- Hands-on stations
Children are welcome; under 14 only when accompanied by an adult. According to the museum, some devices may be tried out.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free in the museum's courtyard; access through the gate to the right of the building; if the gate is closed, ring the bell at the green museum door.
According to the website, easily reached by public transport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Waiting area with coffee, tea, reading material and a video showing for early arrivals.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 40 guests.
Room for up to 40 people with projector, Wi-Fi and screen for meetings, receptions and conferences, always in combination with a museum tour. The museum also hires out equipment for films, photos and exhibitions.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
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| Good to know | The postal address is Noordwaarts 72, 2711 HM Zoetermeer (no mail to the museum site). Reachable by telephone on Tuesdays 9 a.m.–4 p.m. |
