Museum Hindeloopen

About the museum

Museum Hindeloopen goes back to the art and antiques collector Hidde Nijland (born in Leeuwarden in 1853) and his wife Adriana Nijland-Volker. Nijland began collecting Hindeloopen objects early on and in 1896 furnished a complete Hindeloopen room in his house in Dordrecht. In 1917 he offered his collection to the municipality of Hindeloopen, on the condition that it be displayed in the old town hall of 1683. On 16 July 1919 the Museum Hidde Nijland Stichting opened, becoming one of the oldest museums in Friesland.

In the following decades bequests and donations were added, including the estate of the Hindeloopen painter G. S. Huttinga and the furnishings of a Hindeloopen room from the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Düsseldorf. In 1964 the building was extended with an annex containing an entrance hall, and in 1970/71 it was restored and refurnished. Since 1 July 2008 the museum has been independent and bears the name Museum Hindeloopen.

After a renovation, the museum was ceremonially reopened by Queen Máxima in June 2024. The tour begins with the great skipper Jaap, who introduces Baltic shipping: in the 18th century Hindeloopen grew wealthy through the transport of timber from the Baltic to Amsterdam. This prosperity was reflected in the colourful costume, the Pronkkamer and Hindeloopen painting. The museum also shows the history of the town and of fishing, as well as the sleigh in which Prince Willem-Alexander was presented to the press in 1968.

Highlights

• Hindeloopen Pronkkamer with painted furniture and Bible tiles
• Hindeloopen costume with symbolic use of colour
• Hindeloopen painting of the 18th century
• Shipping on the Baltic Sea: the lives of the great skippers
• Free audio tour in Dutch, English, German and Frisian

Permanent exhibitions

• Hindelooper Tracht – Women’s, men’s and children’s costumes from Hindeloopen, whose fabrics and colours had a symbolic meaning.
• Hindelooper Interieurs – The Pronkkamer on the first floor shows how a wealthy skipper’s house was furnished around 1740, with painted furniture and tiles.
• Schifffahrt – The ground floor tells the story of a year in the life of the Hindeloopen great skippers in the 18th century, from setting out via the Baltic trade to returning to Amsterdam.

Founded

1919

Operated by

Hidde Nijland Stichting

Director

Johan Bouwhuis (seit 1. September 2026)

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart, ICOM, VriendenLoterij VIP card and for members of the Vereniging Vrienden Museum Hindeloopen. The visitor/VVV centre Waterland van Friesland is accessible free of charge. Tickets can be bought online, but this is not necessary.

Accessibility

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

According to the visitor information, fully wheelchair accessible; a wheelchair is available. Dogs are not allowed in the museum.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Occasional children’s activities during the holidays (for 6- to 12-year-olds) and children’s afternoons for 2- to 6-year-olds; family ticket available.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located behind the dyke next to the church; the church tower serves as a landmark.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books on Hindeloopen painting, costume and town history, as well as souvenirs and postcards.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 35 guests.

Civil wedding ceremonies in the hall on the first floor (up to 35 seats); viewing by arrangement, with wedding dates arranged through the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân.

Plan your visit