Klederdracht- en Visserijmuseum

About the museum

The museum grew out of a doll exhibition in the early 1960s. Before that, in the 1950s, a sewing group had made and sold costumes to help pay for the construction of the Maranathakirche. Once the church was finished, the women carried on and used the proceeds to support missionary work. Soon they were dressing dolls in Spakenburg costume and showing them in a small hall of the Noorderkerk; the display quickly grew to around one hundred dolls, and from this the museum developed. Some dolls from the early years are still on display today.

The rooms are located behind the Noorderkerk on the Kerkstraat. The dolls wear the costumes of Bunschoten and Spakenburg, from children's dress through everyday and Sunday clothing to the violet mourning costume. Alongside costume, fishing is a second theme: a long table holds miniature fishing boats, complemented by nets and equipment from Zuiderzee fishing; two historical photos show the village during the 1916 flood.

Craftsmanship forms the third focus. Every year a quilt exhibition with around 35 quilts is set up, most of which are sewn from costume fabric; in addition there are beaded bags and other old Spakenburg handiwork.

The museum is run entirely by volunteers. The sponsor is the Vrouwenzendingscomité, made up of the four local churches; proceeds from the museum, shop, demonstrations and bazaar go to missionary and other good causes.

Highlights

• Over one hundred dolls in the costume of Bunschoten and Spakenburg, from children's dress to mourning costume
• Miniature fishing boats, nets and gear from Zuiderzee fishing
• Quilt exhibition that changes every year, with around 35 quilts
• Groups can book costume shows or have themselves photographed in costume

Permanent exhibitions

• Klederdracht van Bunschoten en Spakenburg – Hand-dressed dolls show everyday, Sunday, children's and mourning costume.
• Miniatuurbotters en visserij – Models of fishing boats, nets and gear tell the story of Zuiderzee fishing up to the closing dam (Afsluitdijk) in 1932.
• Handwerk en quilts – Old Spakenburg handiwork and a selection of quilts made from costume fabric, renewed every year.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Stichting Vrouwenzendingscomité

Admission & discounts

Anyone who would like to be dressed in costume at the museum should book at least two weeks in advance: women €20, men and boys €12.50, girls up to age 12 €15. Costume can also be rented (from €20).

Accessibility

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

According to the website, the museum is wheelchair-friendly; the staff are happy to accompany visitors through the rooms.

Kids & families

Children up to age 12 pay the reduced price, and parents with children can get a family ticket.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A1 Amsterdam–Hoevelaken, exit 12 Bunschoten. The museum is in the rooms behind the Noorderkerk.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Small shop with costume fabric and handicrafts; a bazaar is held twice a year.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit