Museum Weesp

About the museum

The museum's beginnings go back to 1911, when an "Oudheidkamer" (antiquities room) with town silver, paintings and engravings on the town's history was set up in Weesp's town hall; at first it was accessible only by appointment. In 1928 the first piece was purchased for the collection, and through donations the room grew into a museum.

The real beginning is marked by January 1974: the municipal council set up a museum committee to manage the holdings, prompted by a large donation of Weesp porcelain from noble ownership. Since 1999 the museum has been a registered museum within the Dutch museum association. With the incorporation of Weesp into Amsterdam in 2022, it became part of the Stadsarchief Amsterdam.

The museum is located on the second floor of the neoclassical town hall, which Jacob Otten Husly built between 1772 and 1776. On display are one of the largest collections of Weesp porcelain – the first porcelain made in the Netherlands, produced here between 1759 and 1768 – as well as later Holland porcelain, the history of the Van Houten chocolate factory and the former dungeons of the town hall.

Highlights

• One of the largest collections of Weesp porcelain in the world
• Historic dungeons and hall of the neoclassical town hall (Husly, 1772–1776)
• History of cocoa powder and the Van Houten chocolate factory
• Children's puzzle "Het grote geheim van Weesp" (The Great Secret of Weesp) with a torch
• Audio tour of the town hall

Permanent exhibitions

• Stadhuis und Kerker – Weesp's neoclassical town hall with its former prison cellars and the entrance hall, where justice was also administered until the 19th century.
• Weesper Porzellan – One of the largest collections of the first porcelain made in the Netherlands, complemented by later Holland porcelain.
• Grensverlegger Van Houten – The history of the chocolate factory, which from the mid-19th century became a world-famous brand with soluble cocoa powder and shaped Weesp.

Founded

1974

Operated by

Stadsarchief Amsterdam (Gemeente Amsterdam)

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On special days such as Weespers aan de Wand (Whitsun) and Open Monument Day in September (free admission on both in 2026)

Free with Museumkaart, Stadspas, "Vriend van Museum Weesp", Vereniging Rembrandt and ICOM (show your card, digital is also accepted).

Accessibility

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

According to the website, accessible for people with reduced mobility; assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

For children aged 6 to 12 there is the treasure hunt "Het grote geheim van Weesp" with a torch; worksheets for school classes. Children under 13 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Museum shop with books, souvenirs and products on the town's history, Weesp porcelain and Van Houten.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit