Museum Oold Ark
Museum of historic hand tools in Makkinga with workshops for wheelwright, blacksmith, shoemaker and carpenter; open on Saturdays.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Oold Ark museum in Makkinga displays old hand tools as they were once used in the Stellingwerven region. The collection was founded by Albert Mulder, who gathered tools over many years and published several books about them, which are available in the museum. The Stiftung Museum Oold Ark (foundation) has existed since 1995 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025.
The common thread of the collection is hand tools, where people themselves were the only source of power. Small reconstructed workshops show trades such as wheelwright, blacksmith, shoemaker and carpenter; visitors can see how materials and power transmission improved and made the work easier. Short films about the trades are accompanied by descriptions in four languages. In a room for changing exhibitions, new themes are added regularly.
The museum shares its grounds and entrance with the De Weyert grain mill and is run entirely by volunteers, without public subsidies. According to the museum, more than 1,100 visitors came in 2025.
Highlights
- Collection of historic hand tools by Albert Mulder
- Reconstructed workshops of wheelwright, blacksmith, shoemaker and carpenter
- Trade films with descriptions in four languages
- Joint visit with the De Weyert grain mill possible
Permanent exhibition
- Historische Handwerkzeuge und Werkstätten – Hand tools in small reconstructed workshops, including those of wheelwright, blacksmith, shoemaker and carpenter.
- Founded
- 1995
- Operated by
- Stichting Museum Oold Ark
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Children under 12 pay no admission |
| Groups | –Groups at any time by arrangement |
The Museumkaart (annual museum pass) is not valid here. The children's program "Ambachtentocht" costs an additional €2.50.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: not available
- 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 is accessible by stairlift and wheelchair (checked by the Ooststellingwerf accessibility working group, January 2020). There is ample parking but no dedicated accessible parking space; volunteers help guests find a suitable spot together. The mill is accessible on the ground floor only.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
Children's program "Ambachtentocht": children discover shoemakers, carpenters, washday and a historic schoolroom in a playful way. In October the museum takes part in the "Oktober Kindermaand" (October children's month).
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Ample parking at the mill and museum, no designated accessible parking space.
- Accessible parking: not available
The museum is on Lyclamaweg in Makkinga, next to the De Weyert grain mill.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Mill shop in the entrance area (shared entrance with the grain mill); coffee and pastries are sold in the community room "De Spil".
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups by arrangement (museum contact: Jan Oosterhof, tel. 0516 441762); for school classes there is the local heritage project "De Veerkieker". Trade descriptions are available in four languages. |
