Openbaar Vervoer & Speelgoed Museum
Museum in Doesburg with models of public transport (especially the Gelderse Tramwegen) and antique toys, including a toy shop from 1900.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum grew out of the private collection of railway enthusiast Cor Ooijevaar. Launched officially in The Hague in 1988 as the Openbaar Vervoer Museum foundation, it moved to Borculo two years later and reopened there in 1990. As the collection grew considerably, including many items from the Gelderse Tramwegen (GTW), more space was needed, and on 25 May 2006 a new building opened in Doetinchem, which received an extension in 2011. In 2010 the museum was recognised as a registered museum and classified as a charitable organisation (ANBI).
In 2016 toys were added, including the fittings of a 1900 toy shop from Meppel that had previously stood for a time in the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem; since then the museum has been called Openbaar Vervoer & Speelgoed Museum. Because the future of the Doetinchem site was uncertain, it moved in early 2022 to the Gildehofje on Meipoortstraat in Doesburg, where it opened on 3 May 2022 and was officially inaugurated in November 2022. In early 2024 an additional room was added, the entrance was moved, and a building and play area was created at the old entrance.
On display are models of trains, trams and buses, uniforms, tickets and everyday objects from GTW, HTM, NZH, GVB and NS, as well as a toy collection and a hands-on model railway. The museum is run entirely by volunteers.
Highlights
- Models of trains, trams and buses, from the horse-drawn tram to the high-speed train
- Collection on the Gelderse Tramwegen (GTW) and other transport companies
- Toy shop from 1900 with antique toys
- Model railway and wooden train set for visitors to operate themselves
- Play corner and "Conducteur Bart" trail for children
Permanent exhibitions
- Öffentlicher Verkehr und Gelderse Tramwegen – Display models of trains, trams and buses, uniforms and everyday objects, focusing on the Gelderse Tramwegen (1934–1977) in the Achterhoek, plus an operable model railway.
- Spielzeugsammlung und Spielwarenladen von 1900 – Antique toys arranged in the shop windows of a small village, centred on the preserved fittings of a 1900 toy shop from Meppel.
- Founded
- 1988
- Operated by
- Stichting Openbaar Vervoer & Speelgoed Museum
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 11 €4; children aged 0 to 3 free. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –People with disabilities who are accompanied by a dedicated carer have free admission. |
Free admission with the Museumjaarkaart.
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
According to the website, easily accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and mobility scooters. Visitors with special care needs can request a tailor-made tour by email.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Play corner with construction materials (K'NEX, Meccano, Kapla), wooden train set for the youngest, model railway to operate; "Conducteur Bart" trail for ages 6–10 without registration. Children's birthday parties (ages 6–11, up to 15 children, about 90 minutes, mornings, €70 including admission) must be booked by email at least two weeks in advance.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Meipoort
Take bus 26 (Arnhem – Velp – Doesburg – Dieren) to the Meipoort stop; from Dieren station the ride takes about 12 minutes.
By car
Parking available · 15-min walk to the entrance
It is recommended to park on the edge of Doesburg (plenty of spaces) and walk about 15 minutes through the old town.
The museum is located in the Gildehofje in Doesburg's old town.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Museum shop (according to the Museumkaart portal).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours are only possible for groups of up to six people and must be reserved by email (info@ovspeelgoedmuseum.nl). On request, volunteers demonstrate old toys and robots. The small library and the storage depot can be visited with an escort after registration. Learning packs for primary school ("De Museumassistent"). |
