Museum De Proefkolonie

About the museum

The museum goes back to the Museum De Koloniehof, which opened in 1993 to mark the 175th anniversary of the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid (Society of Benevolence). The society was founded in 1818 by General Johannes van den Bosch to combat urban poverty: poor families were settled in colonies in Drenthe and Overijssel, where they were meant to earn their living through work and schooling. The so-called Proefkolonie (Experimental Colony) in Frederiksoord was the first experiment of this kind.

In May 2019 the museum moved into the new "Huis van Weldadigheid" (House of Benevolence) in the village and took the name De Proefkolonie. The reopening was linked to the bid to have the colonies recognised as a World Heritage Site; on 26 July 2021 the Colonies of Benevolence were granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The operator is the non-profit Stichting Koloniecentrum.

At the centre is a multimedia journey through time in three rooms: visitors experience the urban poverty of the period, the arrival of the colonists and the question of how van den Bosch's plans met reality. The exhibition "KansArm" is devoted to poverty today and was developed together with people who live in poverty themselves. Outside the building, a reconstructed colony schoolhouse and a colonist's cottage are part of the site, as well as the historic Tramloods (tram shed) with an exhibition on mobility in the colonies.

Highlights

• Multimedia journey through time in three rooms, starting every 20 minutes
• "KansArm" exhibition on poverty today, developed with people affected
• Reconstructed colony schoolhouse and colonist's cottage
• Historic Tramloods with an exhibition on mobility in the colonies
• Starting point for cycling and hiking routes in the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Permanent exhibitions

• Tijdreis door de Proefkolonie – Multimedia journey through time in three rooms, leading from the misery in the cities through the arrival of the colonists to the encounter of plan and practice.
• KansArm – Exhibition on poverty today, developed with people living in poverty and with experts; open all year.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Stichting Koloniecentrum

Admission & discounts

The standard ticket (adults €15) is an all-in ticket and is also valid for the Koloniehuisje, Kolonieschooltje and Tramloods. Free with the Museumkaart and the Vriendenloterij card; the Museumkaart can be bought at the ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Bronze accessibility certificate. Entirely on one level with no stairs, thresholds or lifts, minimum passage width of about 110 cm, automatic door openers, accessible toilet, two disabled parking spaces at the entrance. Both films have English subtitles, and a tactile box ("Zintuigenkist") offers objects to touch. Assistance dogs are welcome. The Tramloods can be reached via a cycle path and has an accessible toilet.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

In the museum you can weave digitally, churn butter and try to rise to the status of "free farmer". There are puzzle trails (KolonieKid-Speurtocht €2.50), the Kinder Fietsavontuur and cryptex games for older children; additional activities during school holidays.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A32 (exit 6 Steenwijk, N855) or the A28 (exit 29 Dwingeloo, N855) to Frederiksoord. Bicycle hire at Steenwijk station and at the Fietstransferium Frederiksoord.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Grand café with terrace (lunch and borrel packages including admission), museum shop with books, souvenirs and regional products, and a tourist information point.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Auditorium for up to 100 people with AV equipment, an education room and a group room in the Tramloods; catering via the grand café.

Plan your visit