Het MOW

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum opened on August 10, 1973, as the "Streekmuseum de Oude Wolden" in the rear section of a former retiree's villa on the Hoofdweg in Bellingwolde. The front section had been destroyed in 1943 when an American bomber fleeing German fighter planes dropped its bomb load over the village. After the war, the surviving part was converted into a residence, and in the late 1960s the property passed to the municipality.

The regional museum's original aim was to document rural life before World War II: farm machinery, traditional costumes, archaeological finds, and complete store interiors were part of the collection. A barn for the agricultural collection was added in 1977 and another extension in 1997. From the late 1990s onward, art took on a more prominent role, especially works by the Groningen artists' association De Ploeg and by the magical realist Lodewijk Bruckman, who lived in Bellingwolde for a time and donated a group of works to the municipality in 1988.

In 2012, a remodeling based on plans by AAS Groningen joined the three parts of the building into a bright ensemble with a striking steel-and-glass façade. Since 2017 the museum has been an independent foundation and now goes by "Het MOW – Museum Westerwolde"; the short name recalls the original name. The collection of around 4,000 objects is not on permanent display but is incorporated into themed temporary exhibitions that combine modern art with the cultural history of the Groningen countryside.

Highlights

• The only core collection in the Netherlands of the magical realist Lodewijk Bruckman
• Works by the Groningen artists' association De Ploeg with a regional connection
• Themed temporary exhibitions on landscape and life in the Groningen countryside
• Museum cycling route from the museum to places featured in the collection
• Children's route for every exhibition and a dedicated children's board

Founded

1973

Operated by

Stichting Museum de Oude Wolden

Director

Obby Veenstra

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart. Visitors with little money can confidentially arrange a reduced admission price with the museum without providing proof; there are also occasional free afternoons.

Accessibility

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

Changes in level can be managed; adapted restroom, portable stools, and seating available, parking right next door. No loaner wheelchair.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Admission is free for under-18s. Every exhibition has a children's route with a free guide available at the reception desk; in "Geworteld," for example, children could draw tree folk and build tree huts. The museum has a children's board and an online creative workshop (MOW jong).

Getting there & parking

The museum cycling route starts and ends at the museum (free leaflet at the reception desk or online). Vesting Bourtange is about 14 km away.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Organic coffee and tea, juices, and snacks at the reception desk, with a terrace in summer; for groups, extended catering (including vegetarian/vegan) on request at least one week in advance. Museum shop with regional art and a "Pakje Kunst" art vending machine. Zo Groningen tourist information point inside the museum. Behind the museum, a freely accessible forest for walks.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit