Observeum

About the museum

The Observeum combines a regional museum with the only public observatory in Friesland; it was formerly called Streekmuseum Volkssterrenwacht Burgum. The observatory opened in 1986 and goes back to the passion of the farmer Bauke Miedema, who ground his lenses himself. His telescope has since been renewed and is still used at the astronomy evenings today.

In the museum, permanent exhibitions show Frisian silver, archaeological finds, geology and stories from the region. These include an area on the Mesolithic at the Bergumer Meer, an exhibition on the gulf between rich and poor in the 19th century (“Minsken”), the story of the Burgum hairdresser and boat designer Hendrik Bulthuis, and the observatory itself. An archaeological base and a four-metre digital planetarium complete the offering.

In 2021 the building received an extension with a new office, which freed up more exhibition space. Besides visits, the Observeum offers educational programmes for schools, an escape room activity and astronomy courses.

Highlights

• Friesland's only public observatory, with stargazing on Friday and Saturday evenings
• Digital planetarium four metres in diameter
• Permanent exhibitions on archaeology, geology and the lives of rich and poor in the 19th century
• Exhibition on the Burgum boatbuilder Hendrik Bulthuis with a restored BM dinghy
• Archaeological base Burgum

Permanent exhibitions

• Archäologie: Mittelsteinzeit bis Mittelalter – Finds from excavations at the Burgumer Mar and at the Bulthuis aqueduct show the lives of hunter-gatherers and the origins of Burgum around the monastery.
• Minsken – A comparison of wealthy and poor Frisians in the 19th century with costumes, jewellery, household goods and portraits, as well as the role of socialism.
• Bauke Miedema und die Sternwarte – Photos, self-ground lenses and the renewed telescope of the observatory's founder in the observatory dome.

Admission & discounts

Online tickets are cheaper than at the ticket desk; the prices stated are “from” prices. Free with Museumkaart.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

Wheelchair-accessible entrance, step-free building, sufficiently wide passages, wheelchair available to borrow, wheelchair spaces and seating, stairs with handrail; a disabled parking space is within 10 metres of the entrance (with parking permit only). A detailed accessibility document is available on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

For children there are discovery stations and surprising finds, astronomy courses for children, an escape room and puzzle activities; the archaeology area is designed to be interactive for young visitors.

Getting there & parking

Drop-off directly at the door (Kiss & Ride) is possible.

Amenities & dining

• Café

The museum lounge serves coffee, tea and small snacks; group packages with drinks or a guided tour are possible.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

Hall for up to 50 people with projector, sound and lighting system; from €90 per part of the day (during opening hours), with coffee/tea from €115; outside opening hours from €115 or €140 respectively. Catering on request.

Plan your visit