Kruideniersmuseum

About the museum

The Kruideniersmuseum in Utrecht is the successor to the former "Betje Boerhave winkel en museum" and has existed since 1974; in 2024 it celebrated its 50th anniversary. The collection documents the history of the grocer from its beginnings to the present day: in the past, the "kruidenier" was the specialist in dry goods, which were delivered in large sacks and packed by hand in the shop. Alongside these stood branded goods in elaborately printed tin cans.

On 24 November 2022, after the renovation of a 17th-century house, the museum moved to Hoogt 10, around the corner from its former location. The larger new premises combine historic building elements with a modern museum design. At the centre is a faithfully reconstructed shop where, as in the old days, you can buy sweets and groceries weighed out with old brass weights.

In separate exhibition rooms, display cases show packaging and tin cans, soap in wrappers since the Second World War, an old coffee roasting machine, and savings-stamp systems from companies such as Nutricia, D.E. and Droste. There are also collections of, for example, matchboxes, crockery, linen and trading cards. The museum works exclusively with volunteers and is funded by shop sales as well as donations and tips.

Highlights

• Faithfully reconstructed grocer's shop where you can buy goods
• Display cases with packaging, tin cans and branded goods
• Savings-stamp systems from Nutricia, D.E. and Droste
• Collection of matchboxes and collectibles
• 17th-century house in the car-free old town

Permanent exhibitions

• Nachgebauter Kolonialwarenladen (Betje Boerhave winkel) – A faithfully furnished shop of former times, where groceries and sweets are weighed out in the old way with brass weights.
• Ausstellungsraum mit historischen Verpackungen – Display cases show tin cans, soap packaging, and savings and branded goods of grocers from the Second World War to the present day.

Founded

1974

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. The volunteer-run museum welcomes donations (QR codes or red tin on the counter) and is also funded by purchases in the museum shop.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 museum, poorly accessible for people with mobility impairments; not accessible with a walker or wheelchair.

Kids & families

Free colouring pages are available to download on the website.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located between Neude and Janskerkhof in the car-free old town.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

In the reconstructed shop ("Betje Boerhave winkel") you can buy groceries and sweets. For a break, the museum recommends the café in the neighbouring cinema.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.