Museum De Torenkamer
Small local history museum on the first upper floor of the Beekse Toren in Hilvarenbeek, with a permanent exhibition on the history of the village and its tower.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
De Torenkamer is the historical museum of Hilvarenbeek and is located on the first level of the Beekse Toren on the Vrijthof. Interior work began in 2014, and the museum opened in April 2016. It was created in collaboration between Museum De Dorpsdokter and the Heimatkundliche Vereinigung Hilvarenbeek-Diessen. The tower is run by the Stiftung Beheer de Beekse Toren, which has held it since 1992, when it took over from the municipality, and keeps it open with around 25 volunteers.
The tower belongs to the church of St. Petrus' Banden. After the fire of the predecessor tower in 1448, construction of the present tower began; the spire from 1621 replaced a predecessor destroyed by lightning in 1615. During the Second World War the occupying forces requisitioned the bells; later, three old bells returned.
The Torenkamer exhibition focuses on the 15th and 16th centuries, the period of the tower's construction, and presents six personalities of the village, including the saint Adrianus of Beek, the scholar Goropius Becanus and the writer Jan Naaijkens. In winter, the giantess Hildewaris, who is said to have given the village its name, is also on display. From the first level, a loggia offers a view over the Vrijthof.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition on the history of Hilvarenbeek and its tower
- Portraits of six significant personalities of the village
- Loggia with a view of the green Vrijthof
- Free access in summer, Tue–Sat
- Tower climb over six levels up to the view
Permanent exhibition
- Historisches Museum in der Torenkamer – Permanent exhibition on the history of Hilvarenbeek and its tower, with a focus on the 15th and 16th centuries and on important personalities of the village.
- Founded
- 2016
- Operated by
- Stichting Beheer de Beekse Toren
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €3.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €1Children aged 6 to 16 |
| Children & teens | €1free up to age 5 · Children up to 6 years free when accompanied by an adult. |
| Groups | –Group tour on request: €45 per group (max. 12 people, approx. 1 hour). |
| Group tour on request (max. 12 people, approx. 1 hour) | €45Price per group |
Prices apply to the tower climb (from age 16: €3.50). Visiting the Torenkamer Tue–Sat in summer is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The entrance is on the Vrijthof in Hilvarenbeek; the Beekse Toren belongs to the church of St. Petrus' Banden.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Group tours are possible year-round by registration; because of the narrow stairs, groups of more than 12 people are split for the tower climb. |
