Kaatsmuseum Franeker
The oldest sports museum in the Netherlands, in Franeker, centred on Frisian kaatsen, with silver trophies, ceramics, sculptures and the royal ball.
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About the museum
The museum dedicated to the Frisian ball sport kaatsen opened in 1972 and is regarded as the oldest sports museum in the Netherlands. From 1995 it was housed on the upper floor of the Camminghahuis; it closed there on 1 January 2014. The collection was put into storage in the meantime, and in 2015 a fresh start was made with the acquired building at Voorstraat 76, the former office of a bank.
The official opening at the new location took place on 1 September 2016. Architect Rein Hofstra deliberately had the building's style echo the towers and clubhouse of the kaatsing club Jan Bogtstra on the playing field It Sjûkelân. Two foundations run the museum: one for operations and exhibitions, one for the collection and documentation; work is done exclusively by volunteers.
On display are testimonies of kaatsen from the Netherlands and abroad, including silver trophies, ceramics, sculptures, paintings and the royal ball of the kaatsen high days (PC). The museum sees itself as a place where sport, hospitality, language and the history of Friesland meet.
Highlights
- The oldest sports museum in the Netherlands, devoted to Frisian kaatsen
- Silver trophies, ceramics, sculptures and paintings on the history of kaatsen
- Royal ball of the traditional high days (PC)
- Combination tickets with Museum Martena and the Eise Eisinga Planetarium
- Tours led by volunteers
Permanent exhibition
- Geschichte des Kaatsens – Collection of silver, ceramics, sculptures and paintings on Frisian kaatsen, with the royal ball of the high days.
- Founded
- 1972
- Operated by
- Stichting Exploitatie Kaatsmuseum
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4Children aged 4 to 13 |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 13 years €4; the treasure hunt is included in the children's price. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €5 per personGroups of 10 or more people €5 per person. |
| Combination ticket with Planetarium Franeker (adults) | €10Valid for one year |
| Combination ticket with Planetarium Franeker (children up to 13 years) | €7.50Valid for one year |
| Combination ticket with Museum Martena (adults) | €10Valid for one year |
| Combination ticket with Museum Martena (children up to 13 years) | €7.50Valid for one year |
| Museumjaarkaart holders | €5 |
Children up to 3 years and Friends of the museum have free admission. The combination tickets are valid for one year; the museums do not have to be visited on the same day.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- 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
The museum has no stairs and a ramp entrance; there is an accessible toilet. Assistance dogs and guide dogs are welcome, other dogs are not allowed. An evacuation plan exists for visitors who need help.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children receive a treasure hunt, which is included in the children's price; for groups there are kaatsen clinics on the playing field or in the sports hall.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Franeker – Voorstraat
Franeker railway station (Leeuwarden–Harlingen line), about a 15 to 20 minute walk; nearest bus stop Franeker – Voorstraat (including lines 35, 97, 197, 75), Franeker – Station about a 15 minute walk.
By car
Parking available
Free car parks on Hertog van Saxenlaan and at Jan Rodenhuisplein (near the De Trije sports hall), at most an 8 minute walk away; on Voorstraat parking for a maximum of 2 hours is allowed for a fee, and disabled parking spaces are located there too.
If you arrive by boat, use the municipal harbour (via the Bolwerken, Turfkade, Salverderweg and Van Harinxmakanaal). Some bus lines run only on advance booking.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Coat check
Cloakroom for coats, umbrellas and large bags. Smoking and e-cigarettes are prohibited throughout the museum.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Multimedia tour with audio and video via QR code on your own smartphone. Guided tours for groups (max. 16 people) last about 1.5 hours; kaatsen clinics and company outings can also be booked for groups. |
