Nationaal Tinnen Figuren Museum
The only tin figure museum in the Netherlands, in the old town hall of Ommen, with over 100,000 miniature figures, dioramas and a Waterloo model.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Nationaal Tinnen Figuren Museum is the only tin figure museum in the Netherlands and, by its own account, one of the three largest in the world. It opened on 10 May 1985 and is located in Ommen's old town hall from 1828, a Rijksmonument on the Overijsselse Vecht and one of the most historic places in the town. Since its complete renewal in 2006 it has presented itself as a modern, welcoming museum; about a quarter of the collection is on display.
The collection comprises more than 100,000 miniature figures that collectors have donated or lent. The core consists of cultural-history tin figures that depict almost everything people have seen or dreamed of, from prehistory to the present. Originally they were mainly painted children's toys; after the Second World War they largely became collectors' items. There are also figures made of paper, wood, aluminium, steel and plastic, which came onto the market as competition for the tin figure.
Permanently on view are, among other things, a model of the Battle of Waterloo on 25 square metres with 6,000 figures, 48 illuminated dioramas from the Wieringa collection, Dutch traditional costumes in miniature and tin figures making music. A permanent exhibition also shows how tin figures are made.
Highlights
- Over 100,000 miniature figures, the only tin figure museum in the Netherlands
- Model of the Battle of Waterloo (1815) with 6,000 tin soldiers on 25 m²
- 48 illuminated dioramas from the Wieringa collection
- Dutch traditional costumes and music-making figures in miniature
- Old town hall from 1828 on the Vecht, Rijksmonument
- Paint your own tin figures
Permanent exhibitions
- Waterloo 1815 – On a model of 25 square metres, 6,000 French, British, Dutch and German tin soldiers re-enact the Battle of Waterloo, accompanied by sound and light.
- Diorama's collectie Wieringa – In 48 illuminated dioramas, the history of the world and of the Netherlands can be relived in tin figures.
- Nederlandse klederdrachten – The many different Dutch traditional costumes, everyday and festive clothing, in miniature.
- Founded
- 1985
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7Children aged 8 to 17 and wheelchair users |
| Children & teens | €7free up to age 7 · Children up to and including 7 years free; 8 to 17 years €7 |
| Visitors with disabilities | €7Wheelchair users pay €7 |
| Groups (12+ people) | €7.50 per personFrom 12 people: adults €7.50, children aged 8–17 €5, children up to 7 years free |
| Tin casting demonstration (group of up to 12 people) | €20Flat rate, on request |
| Tin figure to paint yourself | €3.50Figures from €3.50 |
Free for Museumkaart holders and Friends of the Museum. Card payment possible at the ticket desk.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- 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
Both floors can be reached by stairs and lift; a wheelchair is available in the museum. Two disabled parking spaces are located on the east side of the building.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 7 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
The museum is suitable for young and old: visitors can paint tin figures themselves, find ten differences from a painting in a puzzle rally (small gift at the ticket desk) and attend the play "De Tinnen Soldaat en de Papieren Danseres" (ages 6 and up).
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Ommen (NS) · 10-min walk
About 10 minutes on foot from Ommen NS railway station.
By car
Parking available
Cars park on the west side of the building; the access road has a barrier that opens by induction loop. Bicycles can be left unattended nearby.
- Accessible parking
The museum is located at Markt 1 in Ommen.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups and schools are welcome by registration; tin casting demonstration on request, in the summer holidays also on certain afternoons. Theatre performances occasionally take place in the museum. |
