Natuurhistorisch & Volkenkundig Museum Oudenbosch

About the museum

In the mid-19th century, the Brothers of Saint Louis founded an educational institute in Oudenbosch. From the mission areas they brought back stuffed animals, everyday objects, archaeological finds and physical instruments. What began as teaching material grew into an independent collection. In 1956 everything was combined in one museum, which later moved to the Reginabouw, a monumental school building from 1904. Since 1985 the collection has been held by a foundation, and the house is a registered museum.

On the upper floor, the natural history section shows dioramas with animals that recreate entire habitats, along with native and exotic butterflies and a collection of animals in alcohol; the room is largely furnished in its original 19th-century style. Geology explains how rocks form and erode, and shows minerals, some of which change color under UV light, chalk fossils from Cap Blanc-Nez and Ice Age mammal fossils from the bottom of the North Sea. Archaeology brings together finds from the soil of West Brabant dating back to Roman times, mainly the work of Brother Christofoor, who began in the 1950s.

The ethnology collection owes its objects to the Brothers, who had also been active in the Dutch East Indies since 1862, and to the White Fathers, who donated African pieces, including some from the Congo. The theme changes roughly every five years; at present it focuses on the White Fathers and their connection to Oudenbosch. A Doe table invites visitors to touch and try things out, and an audio tour leads visitors to 52 objects using their own phone.

Highlights

• Dioramas with animals in largely original 19th-century settings
• Butterflies and “Tiere auf starkem Wasser” (animals in alcohol)
• Geology with UV minerals, chalk fossils and mammoth teeth from the North Sea
• Archaeological finds from West Brabant, dating back to Roman times
• Ethnology on the White Fathers and Africa
• Audio tour covering 52 objects in seven languages

Permanent exhibitions

• Natur – Dioramas with animals, butterflies and a collection of animals in alcohol, in 19th-century style.
• Geologie – Rocks, minerals and fossils, including chalk fossils and mammoth teeth from the North Sea.
• Völkerkunde – Objects from the Brothers and missionaries in the Dutch East Indies and Africa; currently on the White Fathers.

Founded

1956

Admission & discounts

Museumkaart accepted; donors enter free. The first coffee or tea is included in the admission.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• 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

No thresholds in the building; every room has chairs, and there is a loaner wheelchair and a stair lift. Labels are high-contrast and easy to read, and most display cases can be viewed by children and wheelchair users. A separate program is available for groups of blind and visually impaired visitors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Rallies for children up to age 11 and for those aged 11 and older, plus a Doe table to touch and try out.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located in the passageway (Poort) at the Markt in Oudenbosch.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Coffee and tea in the Gehoorzaal; the first cup is included in the admission.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Gehoorzaal (a former classroom with a bison specimen) can be booked for lessons, workshops, lectures or a small reception; Wi-Fi, projector and sound system available.

Plan your visit