Museum van Zuilen
Local museum on the history of the former village of Zuilen in the Werkspoor factory with over 11,000 objects and an escape room – free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Museum van Zuilen collects and tells the history of the former village of Zuilen, which is now part of Utrecht. The foundation was established on 29 June 2000 by Wim van Scharenburg; its aim was to preserve and show photos, stories and articles from Zuilen. At first, the Van Scharenburg couple made part of their watch shop on the Amsterdamsestraatweg available for the collection.
In 2009 the watch shop closed, and the space was fitted out entirely as a museum. With the support of the municipality of Utrecht, the growing collection, which now comprises more than 11,000 objects, could be displayed. In 2020 the museum moved to the historic Werkspoor factory building at Schaverijstraat 13, where it has more space and a contemporary presentation on the first floor.
Special attention is given to industrial heritage and the influence of local companies such as Werkspoor or the Demka steelworks on village life. The programme includes temporary exhibitions, guided tours, neighbourhood walks, street reunions ("StraatReünies"), oral history archives ("Gesproken Geschiedenis") and an escape room. The museum is run by volunteers; all videos are subtitled, and low-stimulus visits are available on request.
Highlights
- Collection of more than 11,000 objects on the history of Zuilen
- Focus on industrial heritage: Werkspoor and the Demka steelworks
- Housed in the historic Werkspoor factory
- Escape room on the history of the neighbourhood
- Guided neighbourhood walks through Zuilen
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Stichting Museum van Zuilen
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups | –Online reservation for groups of up to 10 people; larger groups by email. |
|---|---|
| Escape room | €15Per person. |
Free admission, voluntary donation welcome. An admission fee may apply for special events or tours (e.g. Julianapark walk €12.50 including coffee/tea).
Accessibility
- 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 museum is on the first floor and can be reached by lift or stairs; accessible MIVA toilet in the building. All videos are subtitled, low-stimulus visits on request.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Family visits and school programmes on request; the museum describes its exhibitions as interactive and educational for all age groups.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Sweder van Zuylenweg · 10-min walk
From Utrecht Centraal take bus line 3 towards Zuilen to the Sweder van Zuylenweg stop (about a 10-minute walk); alternatively take the train to Zuilen station and walk about 10 minutes via Vlampijpstraat and Schaverijstraat.
By car
Parking available
Parking spaces near the entrance; in the surrounding area paid parking applies Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
By bike from Utrecht city centre via the Amsterdamsestraatweg and the Julianaparklaan; bicycle racks at the museum.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant: not available
On the ground floor of the Werkspoor factory, coffee and lunch from the sourdough bakery Lavett are available on weekdays.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 15 guests.
Museum space can be rented outside opening hours (Sunday to Tuesday and evenings) for about 15 people (8 with laptops); food is not allowed in the museum. Company outings are also possible by arrangement.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group visits outside opening hours by arrangement and for a fee. Programmes for primary and secondary schools (interactive tours, trail searches). Walks through Zuilen with a guide, some available for groups on request. |
