Museum Heerenveen

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum began in 1942 as a local history collection (Oudheidkamer) on the Vleesmarkt in Heerenveen. In 1982 the collection moved into the historic Van Helomahuis on the Minckelersstraat and was named Museum Willem van Haren – after the grietman (district governor, 1655–1728) who administered the area in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1999 the neighboring former school building "De Heerenveense School" was added, creating more exhibition space.

On May 12, 2015, the museum was renamed Museum Heerenveen; the date alludes to the traditional day on which peat lease contracts used to be renewed. It is run by the Stichting Heerenveen Museum with a small permanent team and more than 50 volunteers.

The museum tells the story of the town, founded in the 16th century by peat entrepreneurs – the "Heeren van ’t veen" (lords of the peat) – and of the surrounding villages: archaeological finds, silverwork by Heerenveen goldsmiths from the 17th to 19th centuries, and art by regional painters such as Jan Mankes, Siert Dallinga, and Boele Bregman. The large hall also houses the Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis Museum, the biographical museum founded in Amsterdam in 1925 about the pioneer of Dutch socialism, who had many followers in Friesland. Temporary exhibitions and a sales gallery for contemporary art (MUGA) round out the program.

Highlights

• Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis Museum with his original study
• Silver cabinet with works by Heerenveen silversmiths (17th–19th centuries)
• Art cabinet with regional art from 1880 to the present, including Jan Mankes
• Timeline "475 jaar Heerenveen" marking the town's 2026 anniversary
• MUGA museum gallery with changing contemporary art (free admission)

Permanent exhibitions

• Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis Museum – Biographical exhibition on the life, political struggles, and ideals of the preacher, politician, and later anarchist, with his study and a relief by his son César Domela.
• Glinsterend Verleden: zilverkabinet – Six display cases with silverwork by Heerenveen silversmiths from the 17th to 19th centuries, from decorative spoons to communion vessels.
• Het Kunstkabinet – Art from Heerenveen and the surrounding area since 1880, including works by Jan Mankes, Tjeerd Bottema, Willem van Althuis, and Jan Worst.

Founded

1942

Operated by

Stichting Heerenveen Museum

Director

Marco van der Werf

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart and the Friends pass. Admission includes a cup of coffee or tea. The MUGA museum gallery is free to visit during opening hours. Tickets at the ticket desk or online.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Largely wheelchair-accessible with elevators and step-free passages; only the attic floor cannot be reached by elevator. No loaner wheelchairs or rollators; mobility scooters (scootmobiel) are not allowed because of narrow rooms. The museum garden is not accessible.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

With the museum bingo, children search for curious details in the exhibitions; the route changes with each exhibition, and there is a small surprise at the ticket desk. Board games and coloring pages are available in the museum café. Occasional activities such as archaeology days for ages 6 to 13. Strollers are allowed, and bottle warming and diaper changing are possible.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the center of Heerenveen.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Museum café overlooking the courtyard (coffee, tea, lemonade, board games). Museum shop and tourist information office (VVV) in the building. Bags larger than A3 must be stored in the free lockers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Four spaces: museum café (up to 100 people), "Speelplaats" for workshops (up to 24), museum hall with monumental staircase (by arrangement), and museum garden (up to 60, not accessible). For presentations, conferences, workshops, and receptions; brochure with prices on the website.

Plan your visit