Museum Oldenzaal

About the museum

Museum Oldenzaal, long known as Historisch Museum Het Palthe Huis, is the town museum of the oldest town in Twente. Its roots lie in the association De Oldenzaalsche Oudheidkamer, founded on 24 October 1906; the collected antiquities were at first housed in a room of the municipal building and in 1916 moved into a rented house, which today holds the Museum De Pelgrim. When Gulia Palthe, the last resident of the house at Marktstraat 13, died in 1928, she bequeathed her property to the Oudheidkamer, which moved into the building in 1929.

The house, a Rijksmonument, was restored in the 1960s; the name “Palthe Huis”, long in common use, then became official. In 2017/2018 a conversion and refurbishment followed, with a new entrance, shop, cloakroom and toilets. Three generations of the Palthe family lived here, including judges, pastors and mayors. The residence is furnished in 18th-century style, with a salon, library cabinet, dining room and kitchen.

Under its present name, Museum Oldenzaal, the museum shows the history of the town at several locations on the Marktstraat – from archaeological finds and religious heritage to old trades. In De Pelgrim, the exhibition “Ritme van de stad” tells of the town's customs and rituals.

Highlights

• Historic residence of the Palthe family, furnished as in the 18th century
• Second site, De Pelgrim, with the exhibition “Ritme van de stad” on customs and rituals
• Cold War escape room in the Palthe Huis
• Historic pub tour and theatrical walks through the town centre
• Collection ranging from archaeological finds to religious heritage

Permanent exhibitions

• Historisches Wohnhaus der Familie Palthe – The Palthe Huis shows how a wealthy family lived in the 18th century – with a salon, library cabinet, dining room and kitchen.
• Ritme van de stad – The Museum De Pelgrim is about typical Oldenzaal and Twente customs and rituals and the question of what role they play in one's own life.

Founded

1906

Operated by

Stichting Oldenzaalse Musea

Director

Nikki Olde Monnikhof

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart, ICOM card and for Friends of the Museum.

Accessibility

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

There is a disabled parking space on the Marktstraat. Pets are not allowed, only assistance dogs. The escape room is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with walking difficulties because of a steep staircase and several steps.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children's birthday parties (ages 5 to 12) with a children's tour, an escape room from age 12 and, in winter, the “Huis van Sinterklaas”. Children and young people up to 17 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum shop, cloakroom and toilets in the entrance area between the residence and the exhibition space.

Events & venue rental

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

Up to 25 guests.

Meeting room for groups of up to 25 people (€150 per part of the day); small weddings in the Palthe Huis with at most 20 guests (from €225) and photo location (from €75).

Plan your visit