Nationaal Onderwijsmuseum

About the museum

The Nationaal Onderwijsmuseum dates back to 1981, when a historical collection on Dutch schooling was started. It was first housed in Zoetermeer, later moved to the former city library of Rotterdam and, after 2012, found its way to Dordrecht. In July 2015 the museum reopened there.

Its home is the carefully restored building "De Holland" from 1939, designed by the unconventional architect Sybold van Ravesteyn and located near the railway station. Across roughly 2,500 square metres there are exhibition and public rooms, a museum shop and the museum café with a garden.

The collection comprises more than 325,000 objects and is regarded as one of the world's leading collections on education. The museum shows how education has developed and how it influences youth culture, using personal stories and current topics. It works closely with schools, employs more than eighty volunteers and interns, and is an accredited training company.

Highlights

• Over 325,000 objects on education – one of the largest education collections in the world
• De Holland building from 1939 by the architect Sybold van Ravesteyn
• Permanent presentation on school in the past, for the future and of today
• Museum café De Holland with a garden

Permanent exhibition

• Onderwijs – over vroeger, voor later, van nu – Permanent presentation on the many facets of education and its influence on youth culture, told through personal stories and current events.

Founded

1981

Admission & discounts

Free admission with Museumkaart, ICOM card, Dordtpas and Rotterdampas, and for Friends of the Museum. Payment is digital only (debit and credit cards), cash is not accepted. Reservation is not necessary.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Wheelchair lift at the main entrance next to the stairs, lift in the building (three floors), loan wheelchair and walker. Two paid disabled parking spaces at Aert de Gelderstraat 12. Dogs are not allowed except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Regular family Sundays, holiday workshops, family performances and story reading for the youngest.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Museum café De Holland (Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sundays and public holidays 11 a.m.–5 p.m.) with mostly organic dishes, also accessible without a museum visit; terrace and garden. Lockers in the basement.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 65 guests.

Rooms only in combination with catering from the museum's own café; museum admission for all guests is included in the rental price. Fixed seating for 65 people.

Plan your visit