Nederlands Zilvermuseum Schoonhoven
Silver museum in the former Havenkazerne in Schoonhoven with a silversmith's workshop, a hands-on workshop and Dutch domestic silver since 1600.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum arose in 1953 from the merger of two predecessors: the Amsterdam Museum en Archief Tijdmeetkunde (1901) and the Nederlands Waarborgmuseum (1938). Under the name Nederlands Goud-, Zilver- en Klokkenmuseum it was initially housed in Utrecht. In 1978 it moved to Schoonhoven, the "silver town", and took over the former Havenkazerne, which had already been converted in 1862.
In 2010 it received its present name and the clock collection was given up. Since 2013, young gold- and silversmiths have worked in the building in a workshop of their own, the Zilversmederij, which serves as a stepping stone after the Vakschool Schoonhoven. After a comprehensive renewal, the exhibition "Koninklijke Cadeaus" by Princess Beatrix was opened in 2014.
The collection shows Dutch domestic silver from 1600 to the present, along with jewellery, pocket watches, coins, tools, models and casting moulds. It tells the story of silver from ore through design and production to hallmarking and sale. Themed presentations such as "leven & dood", "opscheppers" and "eeuwige roem" show the material in everyday life, complemented by temporary exhibitions with contemporary silversmiths and the historic collection of Van Kempen and Begeer.
Highlights
- Longest silver hands-on table in the Netherlands, with silver stories and tasks
- Zilversmederij: watch silversmiths at work, their pieces are for sale
- Zilverwerkplaats: make your own pendant, ring or key ring
- Historic collection of Van Kempen and Begeer
- Dutch domestic silver from 1600 to the present in themed rooms
Permanent exhibition
- Wereld van Zilver – Permanent presentation of Dutch domestic silver from 1600 to the present in themed rooms, with hands-on activities and the long Doe table.
- Founded
- 1953
- Operated by
- Stichting Nederlands Zilvermuseum Schoonhoven
- Director
- Hans November
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €14.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €10CJP holders |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children aged 0 to 17 free (maximum 4 children per paying adult) |
| Students & apprentices | freeStudents of the Vakschool Schoonhoven free |
| Groups (15+ people) | €12.50 per personFrom 15 people, per person |
| Treasure hunt with Zilverwerkplaats piece (children aged 6–12) | €6Daily, self-guided |
| Zilverwerkplaats piece (children aged 2–12) | €3.50Daily, self-guided |
| Guided tour per hour (maximum 15 people) | €95Only after registration, at least two weeks in advance |
Free admission with the Museumkaart, for members of the Vereniging Rembrandt, with ICOM, the VriendenLoterij VIP card and for friends of the museum (from €25 per year). VVV gift cards are accepted. Tickets are only available at the museum.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- 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
Fully wheelchair accessible, wheelchair available to borrow. Pets are not allowed; assistance dogs are.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children visit the silversmith's workshop, solve the safe code and make a piece themselves in the Zilverwerkplaats; holiday workshops and treasure hunts. Self-organised children's birthday parties are possible under certain conditions.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Schoonhoven Noord · 9-min walk
Bus 497 from Gouda (twice an hour) or bus 395 from Utrecht Centraal (every 15 minutes) to the stop Schoonhoven Noord, then a 9-minute walk to Kazerneplein.
By car
Free parking
Parking is free throughout Schoonhoven, in places with a parking disc. The nearest car park is Doelenplein behind the museum (market on Wednesdays until 2 p.m., parking disc 1 hour in the middle section); for long-term parking P2 towards the ferry, about 10 minutes on foot. Coaches cannot enter Doelenplein (turning possible at Pleinweg/Stationsplein).
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Lockers
Zilverlounge with coffee, tea, soft drinks and pastries, including Schoonhovenaartjes; for groups there are packages with lunch, borrel or high tea. Visitors may not bring their own food; large bags belong in a locker.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
The museum can be rented or booked for meetings, receptions and team outings; details on request.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Groups of 15 or more should book in advance (reservering@zilvermuseum.nl, tel. +31 182 38 56 12). Guided tours by arrangement only. Silver consultation hour on the last Friday of every month. |
