Museum Blokhuispoort

About the museum

The Blokhuispoort in Leeuwarden served as a place of detention for over 500 years. The Blokhuis was built at the end of the 15th century. In the 17th century the complex became a house of confinement and correction, later a penitentiary and a remand prison. The building as it stands today dates in its core from the late 19th century. Imprisonment ended in 2007; since 2008 the complex has been a center for culture and creative work, with studios, a library, a hostel and catering.

The Stichting Blokhuispoort, which has looked after the history of the building since 2003 and was officially registered in 2009, opened a museum on February 6, 2010. In 2012 it shifted part of its work online. Since 2017 the historic cells in the former A-wing, now the H-wing, have been open to the public; the hostel and workshops are also located there.

Visitors can see, among other things, a photo wall of prisoners, a two-person cell and exhibition cells. Volunteer guides tell of notorious inmates and escape attempts during tours of about two hours. Online, the foundation presents exhibitions such as "Gevangen in Friesland" on the history of imprisonment in the province and "Gevangen in Glas" with portraits of released prisoners. The museum is run entirely by volunteers.

Highlights

• Historic cells in the H-wing, free admission
• Guided tours of about two hours, also in the evening
• Prison history from the Blokhuis to the cultural center
• Online exhibitions such as "Gevangen in Friesland"
• Escape rooms on the history of the prison

Permanent exhibition

• Historische Zellen im H-Flügel – Original cells of the former prison, with a photo wall of prisoners, a two-person cell, an exhibition cell and a cell on the attack of December 8, 1944.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Stichting Blokhuispoort

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Visiting the historic cells is free; guided tours and individual events are paid.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

The building has several entrances and elevators; assistance dogs are welcome. The tour through the cell block is not wheelchair-suitable, and not every section is accessible. Staff will help if needed.

Kids & families

Recommended for ages 7+

Tours from age 7 (child price for ages 7 to 14). There are escape rooms and educational programs for schools.

Getting there & parking

Entrance at the Blokhuisplein; the foundation's office is in the director's room on the second floor, behind the third gate.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant

The complex houses several cafés and restaurants, including one by the water; they are not operated by the museum.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit