Nationaal Orgelmuseum

About the museum

The Nationaal Orgelmuseum is the only museum in the Netherlands devoted entirely to the historic pipe organ. It was founded in 1977 by Maarten Seijbel (1939–2026), then principal organist of the Grote of Sint-Nicolaaskerk in Elburg. The collection first found room in the Museum Elburg, then in a house in the Rozemarijnsteeg in the medieval old town, until it outgrew that too.

In 2011 the museum merged with the Stichting Het Gelders Huisorgel, which was looking for a home for the Leeflang organ of the architect Gert Boon. Thanks to his bequest, the museum was able to move in 2013 into Elburg's town castle "Arent thoe Boecophuis". The fortified house was built in 1396 for the Duke of Guelders, who gave it to his steward. From 1400 it belonged to the town, which used it as a town hall until 1954. In the courtyard the architect Ronald Plug converted a warehouse into a home for the Boon-Leeflang organ.

The collection includes 15 playable, mostly historic pipe organs as well as organ-building tools, models, old chorale books, busts of famous organists, concert programmes and a large collection of organ stamps. The tour begins in the cellar with demonstration models and a reconstructed organ workshop and then leads through four halls on the development of the Dutch organ from the 15th century to today. The museum is run by a foundation and operates without paid employees.

Highlights

• 15 playable, mostly historic pipe organs
• Medieval town castle "Arent thoe Boecophuis" from 1396
• Gert Boon Hall with the Leeflang organ in a colourful case
• Film "Grootmeesters van het orgel" three times a day
• Scavenger hunt with "Oscar het Orgelpijpje" for children
• Organ concerts and a museum shop with sheet music and records

Permanent exhibitions

• Ontwikkeling van het Nederlandse orgel – Four halls show the development of the Dutch organ from the 15th century to today, along with organ builders and organists.
• Gert Boonzaal met het Leeflangorgel – Behind a Corten steel façade in the courtyard stands the large Leeflang organ in Gert Boon's colourful case; the hall also serves as a concert hall.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Stichting Nationaal Orgelmuseum

Director

Wilma Seijbel

Admission & discounts

Museumkaart is valid (free); other discount cards are not valid in this museum.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• 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 medieval building has many differences in level and stairs and no lift; according to the museum, it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Since spring 2024 there has been a children's trail: a free scavenger hunt with tasks for primary school children, in which "Oscar het Orgelpijpje" is hidden in the museum, as well as music boxes with children's songs.

Getting there & parking

From the car park it is a few minutes on foot to the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

No catering in the museum; cafés and restaurants are located nearby. Museum shop with sheet music, chorale books, records and CDs, organ literature and postcards (some second-hand).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit