Kasteel Duivenvoorde

Current exhibitions

About the museum

Duivenvoorde is first mentioned in 1226 as “Duvenvoirt.” At the time, a simple square residential tower, a donjon, stood here; remains of its walls survive in the cellar to this day. The estate always passed down by inheritance and was never sold – first owned by the Van Wassenaer family, later by the Steengracht and Schimmelpenninck van der Oye families.

The castle got its current appearance in 1631 under Johan van Wassenaer. In 1717 the south wing was brought into line with the north wing and the Marotzaal was created: a grand hall in the style of Louis XIV, probably designed by Daniel Marot, with life-size portraits of the generations of owners. In the mid-19th century, Jan David Zocher Jr. replaced the French Baroque garden with an English landscape park, which the foundation has had restored since 2007 to plans by Michael van Gessel.

In 1960 the last owner, Baroness Ludolphine Henriette Schimmelpenninck van der Oye, transferred the castle and its contents to a foundation. After a restoration by architect Elias Canneman, who largely returned the building to its 1631 and 1717 state, the museum opened in 1963. On display is the family collection built up over generations, with more than 150 portraits, furniture, porcelain, silver, and costumes, in rooms such as the Blue Guest Chamber and the Turkish Room. The estate of around 260 hectares includes 22 listed buildings; in 2026, Duivenvoorde is celebrating its 800th anniversary with an anniversary exhibition.

Highlights

• Marotzaal in the style of Louis XIV with life-size family portraits
• Family collection with more than 150 portraits, furniture, porcelain, and silver
• Remains of the 13th-century donjon walls in the cellar
• English landscape park designed by Jan David Zocher Jr.
• Anniversary exhibition “800 jaar Duivenvoorde” (2026)

Permanent exhibitions

• Kasteelinterieur en familiecollectie – Historic rooms such as the Marotzaal, the Blue Guest Chamber, and the Turkish Room, with the family collection built up over 27 generations of owners.

Founded

1963

Operated by

Stichting Duivenvoorde

Director

Hester Taverne-Strick van Linschoten

Admission & discounts

Museum ticket includes the audio tour and the park, valid all day. Free with the Museumkaart, as well as with the Rembrandtkaart, ICOM card, and Vriendenpas (surcharge for guided tours); a Museumkaart cannot be purchased on site. Tickets online or at the ticket desk in the estate shop, card payment only. Reduced rate on Open Monumentendag (Heritage Day).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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

In the castle, only the rooms on the first floor (Voorhuis, Great Dining Room, Marotzaal) are accessible to wheelchair users; otherwise there are many stairs. No accessible restroom in the castle, but there is one in Restaurant Paviljoen Duivenvoorde. The park has paved, wheelchair-accessible paths. Guide dogs and certified assistance dogs are allowed; other dogs are not permitted on the estate.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Playground / play area

Family audio tour for children ages 6 and up; for guided tours the museum recommends a minimum age of 7. Strollers and buggies are not allowed in the castle because of narrow passageways and stairs. During the anniversary year, children’s theater “Het Spook van Annabel” (ages 4–10), natural play equipment in the Leidsche Tuin by the Paviljoen, and an adventure trail for children (“800-stappenpad”) in the park; Sinterklaas performances in November.

Getting there & parking

Cycling is not allowed on the estate; Donkey Republic rental bikes can be left in the bicycle parking area during opening hours.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Restaurant Paviljoen Duivenvoorde by the park (also picnic baskets for the Leidsche Tuin). Castle and estate shop in the Groene Salon with products from the estate. Open coat rack; bags larger than A4 and backpacks must be checked at reception – the FAQ mentions a few lockers in one place and none in another. Card payment only.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

14 indoor and outdoor spaces for conferences, receptions, dinners, and corporate events, which can be combined with a museum visit; official wedding venue (including the Marotzaal), bridal photos on the estate. More than 120 private parking spaces (expandable to 300). Inquiries via sales@kasteelduivenvoorde.nl.

Plan your visit