Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama

Current exhibitions

About the museum

The museum's core collection goes back to Nijmegen collector Gert-Jan Moed, who began gathering historic bicycles in 1969. In 1981 he opened the collection to the public under the name Velorama; even then it comprised some 200 vehicles. The museum stands on the Waalkade at the foot of the Valkhof, in a historic building that was once part of Nijmegen's city fortifications.

After a renovation, Princess Margriet reopened the museum in 1998 as the Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama. It is run by a nonprofit foundation; the board and staff all work as volunteers, and the museum is open seven days a week.

The collection focuses on the period before 1900: draisines and running machines, velocipedes with pedals on the front wheel, wooden and metal high-wheelers, and early safety bicycles. From the 20th century, the museum mainly shows unusual designs and bicycles that belonged to well-known figures, including bikes from the Dutch royal family and the racing bike on which Wim van Est crashed on the Col d'Aubisque during the 1951 Tour de France. The exhibition is rounded out by recumbent and folding bikes, military bicycles from both World Wars, a 1920s workshop and a section on the once-hated Dutch bicycle tax. The museum also houses an extensive cycling library and the historical archive of the manufacturer Gazelle.

Highlights

• Running machines, velocipedes and high-wheelers, including a high-wheeler with an exceptionally large front wheel
• Wim van Est's racing bike, on which he crashed in 1951 as the first Dutchman to wear the yellow jersey
• Bicycles from the Dutch royal family
• 1920s bicycle workshop and military bicycles from both World Wars
• Section on the Rijwielbelastingplaatjes (bicycle tax plates)

Permanent exhibitions

• Collectie op drie verdiepingen – A chronological walk through cycling history, from running machines and high-wheelers on the first floor through the transition to the modern safety bicycle, up to recumbent, folding and military bikes and a historic workshop under the roof.

Founded

1981

Operated by

Stichting Nationaal Fietsmuseum Velorama (gemeinnützig, vollständig ehrenamtlich)

Director

G. J. Moed (Vorsitzender des Stiftungsvorstands)

Admission & discounts

The Museumkaart is not accepted. Tickets online or at the museum ticket desk.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• 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

Only partially accessible: no elevator and no accessible restroom. The first floor is easily accessible; the second floor can only be reached via the rear entrance and by appointment – this is where the restrooms with limited wheelchair access are located. The third floor and the attic can only be reached by stairs. The café is not accessible to wheelchair users; there is a seating area at the entrance where drinks are served.

Kids & families

Gezinskaart (family ticket) for two adults and two children (€28). The museum is spread over three floors with no elevator.

Getting there & parking

By car from Utrecht/Arnhem via the A325 and the Waalbrug, then toward Centrum-Oost; from Venlo/Den Bosch toward Centrum; in the city center follow the "Velorama" signs. By bike: about 100 m west of Fietsknooppunt (cycle junction) 2; staffed bike parking at Kelfkensbos with entrance at Voerweg 2.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available

Café Velocitas, with a living-room feel, named after Nijmegen's oldest cycling club (coffee, tea, soft drinks, pastries); available for groups of up to 30 people on request.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Plan your visit