Museum Dorestad

About the museum

Following the excavations of the archaeologist J. H. Holwerda, notables from Wijk bij Duurstede decided in October 1926 to found a Kantonaal en Stedelijk Museum; it was housed in the tower of Duurstede Castle. In the Second World War the castle was used as quarters for soldiers, and the collection was packed in crates. After the war the Burgundian Tower was restored and the museum reopened, but the damp climate harmed the objects. In 1967 the Dutch heritage agency ROB began large-scale excavations in Dorestad; the finds were first collected in the town hall, and in 1973 a new museum opened in a former kindergarten on Volderstraat. In 1986 it was given the name Museum Dorestad.

Due to lack of space, the museum moved in May 2000 to the restored manor house Amstelwijk on Muntstraat. On 1 October 2017 it closed its doors for a fresh start, which was delayed several times. After a break of more than eight years, Museum Dorestad is now open again, in a building at Markt 24 that also houses the VVV tourist information office. In 2026 the museum celebrates its hundredth anniversary.

The tour begins on the top floor in the Limeszaal with the Roman history of the place and the helmet of the soldier Titus Allienus Martialnis. Beyond it, the “Dorestad Experience” takes you upstream on the Rhine aboard a Viking ship, the ship of Katla, into the early medieval trading town. The Grote Zaal shows further archaeological finds, maps, models, a large maquette of Dorestad and games for children. From the 7th to the 9th century Dorestad was one of the most important ports and trading centres in north-western Europe.

Highlights

• Dorestad Experience aboard the ship of Katla, a Viking ship on the Rhine
• Large maquette of Dorestad with light points for themes and places
• Archaeological finds from a hundred years of excavations, including the helmet of Titus Allienus Martialnis
• Limeszaal on the Roman history of Wijk bij Duurstede with a talking hologram
• Games and listening stations in the Grote Zaal, also for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Limeszaal – The room on the Roman history of the place shows finds from the time of the fort, including a helmet and a Mercury statuette, and a hologram of the soldier Titus.
• Dorestad Experience mit dem Schiff von Katla – On a replica Viking ship, visitors sail upstream on the Rhine and see the bustling trading town of Dorestad before them.
• Grote Zaal – Archaeological finds, maps, models and a large maquette tell of the location, trade, the Norsemen and everyday life in Dorestad; with games for children.

Founded

1926

Admission & discounts

The website does not state admission prices; tickets are available online (valid at any time if undated) or at the desk. Free with Museumkaart (scan the card on entry).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum and VVV are wheelchair-accessible thanks to a lift (door width 1 m) and an adapted toilet. The entrance gate is narrow; for walkers, wheelchairs and scooters there is the side entrance, which a VVV staff member opens. There is no seating except next to the ship of Katla. Assistance dogs and companions are welcome. Music and loud noises occur only in the separate room of the ship of Katla, which is dark with occasional bright screen flashes. There are as yet no offerings for people with visual impairments; steps are not marked, and the audio elements have no transcripts. No audio tour.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The Grote Zaal is designed to be child-friendly: games, for example with a merchant from Dorestad who needs help, an audio play with two quarrelling merchants and re-enacted everyday objects. By the end of the visit children should know the difference between Norsemen and Vikings. Museum lessons and a Viking package for school classes.

Getting there & parking

By car or taxi, visitors can be dropped off directly at the market in front of the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum shop on the first floor by the VVV with books on the early Middle Ages, Vikings and Dorestad, many by the museum curator, as well as history books for children. Large bags, wet jackets, and food and drink can be left in the cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit