Oertijdmuseum
Palaeontology museum in Boxtel with fossils, life-size dinosaur reconstructions and a prehistoric garden with around 800 rare tree species.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The story begins in the summer of 1971, when the Fraaije family found fossils during a visit to a gravel pit and a collecting hobby grew out of it. In 1983 the Stichting Ammonietenhoeve was founded with a small museum in a converted barn next to the family home; in 1988 it joined the Dutch museum association. René Fraaije, the eldest son, studied geology in Utrecht and runs the museum today.
On 3 April 1999 State Secretary Rick van der Ploeg opened the current site in Boxtel. In 2007 a large dinosaur hall was built, and preparation laboratories (2018) and a Dino workshop (2020) followed later. What began as a private hobby became a major visitor attraction, with more than 85,000 visitors in 2019.
The hall shows reconstructions such as Giraffatitan, Carnotaurus and a Diplodocus, which in 2022 was replaced by the skeleton "Kirby", later identified as a new species, Ardetosaurus viator. Dutch fossil finds are also on display, such as a sperm whale skeleton. Outside, the Oertijdtuin extends over around five hectares with life-size prehistoric animals and more than 800 rare tree species.
Highlights
- Dinosaur hall with Giraffatitan, Carnotaurus and other reconstructions
- Skeleton "Kirby" (Ardetosaurus viator)
- Oertijdtuin with life-size prehistoric animals and around 800 tree species
- Fossil finds from the Netherlands and a preparation laboratory
- Children's birthday parties and Dino workshop
Permanent exhibitions
- Dinosaurierhalle – Hall with life-size dinosaur reconstructions and skeletons, including Giraffatitan and Ardetosaurus viator.
- Oertijdtuin – Garden of about five hectares with life-size prehistoric animals and more than 800 rare tree species.
- Founded
- 1983
- Director
- René H. B. Fraaije
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €13.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €10Children from 3 to 11 years |
| Children & teens | €10free up to age 2 · Children from 3 to 11 years €10, under 3 free. |
| Pushchair hire | €3Personal buggies are not allowed in the museum. |
The Museumkaart, 65+ pass, ANWB card and other discounts are not accepted. Annual pass holders of partner parks receive a 25% discount with a voucher. Gift vouchers available online.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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
The museum's indoor and outdoor areas are accessible by wheelchair.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Children's birthday parties for 3 to 11-year-olds (about 2.5 hours, €14 per person) with an expedition, a lucky stone, lemonade and a surprise box; booking by phone or email. With a playground and the Dino workshop. Personal pushchairs are not allowed, loan buggies cost €3.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
De Ketting · 500 m
Boxtel station is about a 20-minute walk away; from the station take bus 203 to the "De Ketting" stop (500 m).
By car
Free parking
Free car park directly in front of the museum; if it is full, a car park nearby is available.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shops with souvenirs such as fossils, cuddly toys and dino toys; refreshments with a coffee machine, pre-packed sandwiches, ice cream, crisps and soft drinks.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Pets are not allowed. School classes and groups register by phone or via a form. Fossil boxes can be borrowed for lessons (€5 per week, €25 deposit). |
