Museum Klok & Peel
Museum in Asten with one of the largest collections of bells and carillons in the world, and an exhibition on the nature and history of the Peel.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was founded in 1969, when the bell expert André Lehr put his collection on show. In 1973 the biologist Jan Vriends added the department on the Peel, the landscape between Brabant and Limburg. Since then the museum has combined two themes: the history of bells and carillons ("Klok") and the geological history, nature and culture of the Peel.
In the bell section, a timeline tells of the beginnings, of casting and of the tuning of bells; visitors can ring bells and play carillons themselves. On display are four playable carillons, a replica of a bell from Notre-Dame that was cast in Asten, and an astronomical clock mechanism. The Peel section shows fossils, a mammoth skeleton and reconstructions of prehistoric seas, and traces how moorland became a national park; this includes the story of the golden helmet that peat cutters found around a hundred years ago. A library on bell founding worldwide completes the offering, and visitors can relax in the garden.
Around 40 people with a distance from the labour market work in the museum, supported by about 150 volunteers. In 2014 it received the VriendenLoterij Museumprijs, and in 2023 the Kidsproof seal.
Highlights
- Four playable carillons to try out yourself
- One of the largest bell collections in the world
- Peel section with mammoth skeleton and fossils
- Museum garden, level and barrier-free
- Free audio tours in Dutch, English and German
Permanent exhibitions
- Klok – Glocken und Carillons – History, casting and tuning of bells, with carillons you can play yourself and an astronomical clock mechanism.
- Peel – Geological history and nature of the Peel with fossils, a mammoth skeleton and the legend of the golden helmet.
- Museumsgarten – Themed garden for relaxing, accessible at ground level.
- Founded
- 1969
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Children and young people aged 4 to 17 |
| Children & teens | €7free up to age 3 · Ages 4 to 17: €7; up to age 3: free. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €12 per personFrom 15 people: adults €12, children (ages 4–17) €6, CJP card €12. |
| Families | €35Two adults and up to four children up to age 17. |
| Guided tour of the Klok or Peel section (up to 20 people) | €30 |
Free with Museumkaart, VriendenLoterij VIP card, Rembrandtkaart, ICOM card and the museum's Friends or Partner card. Advance booking recommended; audio tours (NL/EN/DE) free of charge.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- 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
All rooms are at ground level and spacious; wheelchairs and rollators available to borrow (reserve by phone), also suitable for scooters. Two accessible toilets; the garden is mostly reachable via paved paths.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €35 · Two adults and up to four children up to age 17. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Children may ring bells and play carillons under supervision. Placemat search games for little ones (one version each for Klok and Peel), illustrated adventure routes with Tuurke and a butterfly for children who can read, and activities during school holidays. All rooms are accessible with strollers or buggies, and changing facilities are available.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Heesakkerweg · 7-min walk
Bus line 320 between Eindhoven and Helmond to the "Heesakkerweg" stop in Asten, then about a 7-minute walk via Beatrixlaan and Rootweg to Ostaderstraat.
By car
Free parking
Free car park at the museum with accessible spaces and charging points for electric cars; large coach park.
- Accessible parking
Bicycle parking with charging points; located at cycle junction 81, about 1 km from the VVV office.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Lockers
- Wi-Fi
Museum café, museum shop and web shop; lockers at the cloakroom, free Wi-Fi (access code at reception).
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
Room rental possible; enquiries via info@museumklokenpeel.nl.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (NL, EN, DE) |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours of the bell and Peel sections (€30 each for up to 20 people) in several languages. Groups of 15 to 300 people; half-day package from about €20 per person (example for 20 guests), full-day package with lunch around €42.75 (lunch Mon–Fri). |
