Nationaal Jenevermuseum Schiedam

About the museum

The Nationaal Jenevermuseum is located on the Lange Haven in Schiedam, the city that was regarded for centuries as the centre of Dutch genever production. The museum is housed in the former malt wine distillery "De Locomotief"; the building was constructed in 1794 as a double warehouse for the distillery of P. Melchers and opened as a museum in 1996. In 1998 it served as the model for the 79th blue KLM house made of Delft ceramics.

The focus is on the history of genever: the craft of distilling, Schiedam's role as a distillers' town and the influence of advertising on the drink's image. On display are advertising materials, packaging and glasses, among other things. A special feature is the working distillery "De Gekroonde Brandersketel": here the malt wine genever "Old Schiedam" is distilled from rye and barley malt using the old Dutch method and a recipe from around 1700, and matured in the cask for at least a year. In the tasting bar, visitors can try the varieties under the guidance of an expert.

The museum also includes the Museummolen De Walvisch, one of the tallest windmills in the world, about a three-minute walk away, which can be visited together with the museum on a combination ticket. On the top floor of the museum, the Graanzolder (grain loft), with a view of the Lange Haven, can be hired for events.

Highlights

• Working historic distillery with mash tuns, cooling vessels and copper stills
• Old Schiedam malt wine genever made to a recipe from around 1700
• Tastings in the Proefbar with experts
• Collection on genever advertising, packaging and glassware
• Combination ticket with the Museummolen De Walvisch

Permanent exhibitions

• Nationaal Jenevermuseum – Dauerausstellung – The collection tells of the craft of distilling, of Schiedam's role as a distillers' town and of the impact of genever advertising.
• Branderij „De Gekroonde Brandersketel“ – In the working distillery you can experience the smell and technique of the old distilling process; Old Schiedam is distilled to a recipe from around 1700.

Founded

1996

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, Rotterdampas and the "Vrienden van het Jenevermuseum" pass.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Children aged 6 to 12 pay €2.50; the distillery is free for children and young people up to 17.

Getting there & parking

The Museummolen De Walvisch (Westvest 229) is about a three-minute walk from the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Proefbar for tastings in the museum; museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The Graanzolder on the top floor with a view of the Lange Haven (fast Wi-Fi, screen, microphones, tables and chairs) is suitable for meetings, online sessions, workshops and celebrations; the courtyard is also available in good weather. Tasting with genever from the museum's own distillery is possible; non-alcoholic alternatives are available.

Plan your visit