Museum Valkenburg

About the museum

Museum Valkenburg is devoted to the art and history of South Limburg. Its beginnings go back to 1951, when the first exhibition on the history of the region was shown; in 2026 the museum therefore celebrates its 75th anniversary. Since 1969 it has been housed in the former town hall of Valkenburg on the Grotestraat, an Art Nouveau building of light marl stone erected around 1900 to plans by the architect J. H. C. Kröner.

The collection combines geology, archaeology and city history. It tells how South Limburg was still covered by sea some 60 million years ago, how Stone Age people used flint for axes and tools, and how the Romans laid out large country estates along the Via Belgica. Further chapters are devoted to the lords of Valkenburg, who shaped Fauquemont Castle from the 11th century, the destruction of the castle in 1672, the era of the Bokkenrijders, and the rise to a spa and excursion town after the railway connection of 1853.

The museum, run entirely by volunteers, has also made a name for itself through exhibitions by artists with a connection to Limburg. On the ground floor the art shows change, while the upper floor belongs to the museum's own collection; its themes also include the flood of July 2021.

Highlights

• Permanent presentation "Het Verhaal van Valkenburg" from prehistory to tourism
• Geology, archaeology and art collection with a focus on South Limburg
• Changing art shows by Limburg artists on the ground floor
• Art Nouveau town hall of 1900 made of marl stone
• Free coffee included in the admission price

Permanent exhibition

• Het Verhaal van Valkenburg – Newly designed permanent presentation of the geology, archaeology and history of Valkenburg, from marl and Roman country estates via the castle to spa tourism; it is scheduled to run until 2030.

Founded

1951

Admission & discounts

A coffee is included in the admission. Museumkaart, Begünstigerkarte, ICOM card and Friends' pass are valid. Payment by card only (bank card, Visa, Mastercard), no cash. A surcharge may be charged for special exhibitions.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

The main entrance can only be reached via steps; for people with reduced mobility, the staff at the ticket desk open the side door (ask again when leaving). The main exhibitions are on the ground floor in two step-free halls, and further rooms are accessible via one or two short ramps. The lift to the 1st and 2nd floors may be too small for large wheelchairs.

Kids & families

Children under 12 years are free when accompanied. The museum describes the floor on history, geology and archaeology as suitable for grandparents with grandchildren; there are children's books in the shop.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the middle of the centre of Valkenburg aan de Geul on the Grotestraat.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Small museum shop with books, postcards, jewellery and art; the free coffee is also served there.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit