Museum Soest

About the museum

The museum belongs to the Oud Soest Foundation, which was established on 7 May 1979. Even then, items were being gathered for a museum; the start was small, with an Oudheidkamer (antiquities room) that grew into an independent museum. It is run exclusively by volunteers.

The building is the former St. Jozefgesticht, a convent whose first stone was laid on 12 July 1868; the inauguration followed on 15 September 1869. The Sisters of Onze Lieve Vrouw from Amersfoort cared for elderly people there, taught girls and offered sewing courses. Of the architect A. C. Bleys's design, only the first construction phase was carried out.

Today the museum shows, over several floors, how people lived and worked in Soest and Soesterberg: a classroom of 1910, a wheelwright's workshop, a farmhouse, a shop, the fire brigade, a council chamber, a nature section and an exhibition on the royal house including a model of Paleis Soestdijk. An extensive section is devoted to the Second World War locally, including the persecution of the Jews.

Highlights

• Classroom of 1910 and the Spreukenhuisje
• Wheelwright's workshop, farmhouse and old trades
• Exhibition on the royal house with a model of Paleis Soestdijk
• Section on the Second World War in Soest and Soesterberg
• Nature section, especially suitable for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Königshaus – Permanent exhibition on the Dutch royal house with a model of Paleis Soestdijk.
• Zweiter Weltkrieg in Soest und Soesterberg – Locally focused exhibition that also covers the persecution of the Jews in detail; created with Stichting Legerplaats Soesterberg and the Committee 4 and 5 May.
• Naturabteilung – Extensive show on local flora and fauna in the attic, intended especially for children.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Stichting Oud Soest

Admission & discounts

Payment only in cash or by mobile bank transfer on site, no card payments. The Museumkaart is not accepted.

Accessibility

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

With a lift and an accessible toilet; seating throughout. Exhibits may be touched, which also makes the collection more accessible to visually impaired visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

According to the museum, the nature section in the attic is very well suited to children; the 1910 classroom and the hands-on atmosphere appeal to families.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

On request the museum serves coffee and tea with pastries; the historic pub “De Goudenploeg” has been recreated.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 60 guests.

Multipurpose room (30–40 people seated, with “De Goudenploeg” 50–60), council chamber and historic pub for parties, funeral receptions, lectures and meetings; prices according to the website from €60, catering via an external provider.

Plan your visit