Nationaal Vlechtmuseum

About the museum

The museum tells how people in and around Noordwolde began weaving with willow rods, first baskets, later chairs, and how this grew into an industry that earned Noordwolde the nickname "Vlechtdorp van Nederland" (wickerwork village of the Netherlands). In the 20th century, a large part of the village lived from making hundreds of thousands of rattan chairs a year.

It is housed in the country's first and only Rijksrietvlechtschool (state cane-weaving school). The school was founded in 1908, and the present building dates from 1912; weavers were trained here until 1969. The former practical classroom can be seen in its original early-years state. The museum has been located in the building since 2001 and has been called the Nationaal Vlechtmuseum since then; it grew out of the Rotancentrum Noordwolde. It was opened in 2001 by Jeltje van Nieuwenhoven.

Besides local history, the museum deals with the art and history of weaving worldwide and shows works by contemporary designers such as Jan des Bouvrie, Roderick Vos and Marcel Wanders. Industrial applications of weaving also feature. A Kenniscentrum Vlechten (weaving knowledge centre) preserves knowledge of techniques, and the museum's weavers' group, workshops and the Vlechtcafé keep the craft alive. The old weaving hall is also an official wedding venue of the municipality of Weststellingwerf.

Highlights

• Rijksrietvlechtschool of 1912 as the museum building
• Authentically preserved old weaving classroom
• Rattan furniture and designs by well-known designers
• Free audio tour in seven languages and a separate children's audio tour
• Kenniscentrum Vlechten with workshops and Vlechtcafé

Permanent exhibitions

• Noordwolde als Flechtdorf und die Rijksrietvlechtschool – Social and cultural history of rattan and willow weaving in Noordwolde, with image and sound fragments.
• Flechtklassenzimmer – The former practical classroom of the weaving school in its early-years state.

Founded

2001

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Museumkaart and for donors; children up to 4 years free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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, the museum is fully accessible for walkers and wheelchairs, with an accessible toilet and baby changing table. Walkers and wheelchairs can be borrowed. Every room has folding chairs as resting points. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance and guide dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Children's audio tour with "Kijkkasten" (viewing boxes) and a Speurneus (nosy detective) diploma, colouring pages to download, and children can weave a small carpet beater themselves.

Getting there & parking

The "Vlechtmuseum" stop is less than 100 metres from the entrance.

Amenities & dining

’t Buurthuus is under the same roof and serves the coffee included in the package.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 20 guests.

The old weaving hall has room for about 20 people; one of the two official wedding venues of the municipality of Weststellingwerf.

Plan your visit