Limburgs Schutterij Museum

About the museum

The Limburgs Schutterij Museum is devoted to the shooting-guild tradition in Limburg, a centuries-old custom. The schutterijen originally served as citizens' militias and later became folklore societies with shooting festivals, music, flag waving and competitions. The museum was founded in 1976 at Hoensbroek Castle; it was preceded by a good three years in which guild treasures were collected and catalogued.

Several stations followed: in 1989 the museum moved to the shooting-guild village of Stramproy, but lost its home after a fire in the cultural centre, which led to the demolition of the complex in 1995. After an interim exhibition in Steyl in 1999, the museum opened on 25 August 2001 in the former Oud Sankt Gregor monastery. On 10 April 2008 a devastating fire destroyed the building there, but a large part of the collection could be saved.

On 10 April 2016 the museum reopened in the former parish church of St. Roch in Steyl, a church consecrated in 1931 that is a listed building because of the statues of the patron saints. On show are banners, king's silver, uniforms, rifles, decorations, musical instruments and documents of existing and dissolved schutterijen; the space also serves as an event and conference venue.

Highlights

• Banners and king's silver of Limburg's shooting brotherhoods
• Uniforms, rifles, decorations and musical instruments
• Museum in the former Church of St. Roch with shooting-guild décor in the chancel
• Dressing-up options for role play on request
• Event space for up to 300 people

Permanent exhibition

• Sammlung der Schutterijen – Banners, king's silver, uniforms, rifles, decorations, music and archive material on the shooting-guild tradition in Limburg and on the Oud Limburgs Schuttersfeest.

Founded

1976

Operated by

Stichting Limburgs Schutterij Museum

Director

Luc Wolters (Konservator)

Admission & discounts

Equipment and technology can be rented for events (microphone €30, lighting €45, large screen €45, shooting pole €50).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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

Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum sees itself as a place of learning for children and families; for role play there are costumes on request, school classes make their own banners and are allowed to shoot with an air rifle. Children aged 0 to 3 are free.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the former Church of St. Roch in the village of Steyl (municipality of Venlo).

Amenities & dining

• Café

The converted church building has a catering area; catering for events is available on request.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 300 guests.

The church space (Sjöttershoés) can be set up for meetings, rehearsals, courses and presentations, with example seating plans for 100, 200 and 316 seats; with media technology and catering. Reservations by email to reserveringen@schutterijmuseum.nl.

Plan your visit