Nederlands Pluimveemuseum

About the museum

Barneveld is considered the cradle of Dutch poultry farming and remains a center of the industry to this day. That is why the Nederlands Pluimveemuseum, which tells the story of chicken and egg, is located here. The foundation behind it was established in 1983, and in 1989 the museum opened on the Bloemendaallaan. In April 1999 it moved to a much larger building on the Hessenweg, and in 2008 two more halls were added. Today there are just under 3,500 square meters of exhibition space. The museum is largely run by volunteers, who staff the ticket desk, museum shop, café, guided tours and the auction; income comes from admissions and sponsorship.

The permanent exhibition traces the development of Dutch poultry farming from small-scale farms to modern, animal-friendly facilities. Visitors learn where the chicken comes from, how an egg is built and how chickens were and are kept. On display are egg-sorting machines with demonstrations, the history of the Barneveld egg market and an antique incubator in which chicks hatch.

In the hall with live animals, more than 20 old Dutch breeds show their colors; outdoors is the Hoendertuin (chicken garden) with breeds such as the Barnevelder. A special experience is the original auction room with its auction clock, where visitors can bid themselves and win a small prize such as a pack of Barneveld eggs. The offer is complemented by children's activities, trail letters and a museum café.

Highlights

• Antique incubator where chicks hatch
• Hall with live chickens: over 20 old Dutch breeds
• Original auction room with an auction clock to join in
• Egg-sorting machines with demonstrations and the history of the Barneveld egg market
• Hoendertuin with recognized Dutch chicken breeds
• Trail letter with the character Kuukel for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Alles über Huhn und Ei (Dauerausstellung) – Development of Dutch poultry farming, anatomy of the egg, incubator, housing systems, sorting machines and the Barneveld egg market.
• Hoendertuin – Garden and halls with live chickens of recognized Dutch breeds, including the Barnevelder.
• Auktionssaal – Original auction room where visitors can take part in an auction.

Founded

1989

Admission & discounts

Prices for 2026. Free with Museumkaart.

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

The museum is wheelchair-friendly and has a separate accessible toilet; rollators and scooters are also welcome. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Children can hold and stroke chicks, take part in the auction and follow the trail letter (with “Kuukel” as guide) through the museum. During some school holidays there are free craft activities (10:00–15:00).

Getting there & parking

The museum is located near the A1 and A30 motorways.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Koffiekamer (coffee room) with coffee, tea, pastries, tosti and chicken soup; museum shop with souvenirs about chicken and egg.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit