Openluchtmuseum Ootmarsum

About the museum

The museum's roots go back to 1928: the Ootmarsum tourist board, with the support of the Oudheidkamer Twente, rebuilt the Looman Agelo farm on the Bielenbelt near the town and showed it for a small admission fee. From 1963/64 a new "Los Hoes" was built on municipal land behind the Molenhuisje, and over the following decades the Hofkamer (1965), a wheelwright's workshop with smithy (1972), the Eppinkschuur (1974) and an apiary were added, among other things. In 1996 the site was renamed "Openluchtmuseum Los Hoes Ootmarsum".

In 1997 the municipality handed management over to a foundation. From 2001 the grounds grew; in the "Heeren en Boeren" project (with EU funds), the Weemhof, a sheepfold and a small farmhouse were added in 2002; in 2003 the museum received the status of a certified museum. In 2004 a fire destroyed the original Los Hoes; in 2005 it and the Klöpkeshoes were rebuilt. In the same year the Drostenhuis in the old town was added as a further house, which can be visited with the same ticket.

Since the redevelopment in 2016/17, the entrance has been on the Commanderieplein, on the grounds of the former commandery of the Teutonic Order; a mill wheel was added to the Molenhuisje, and a paper mill was later reconstructed. Under the guiding theme "Land van Heeren en Boeren" (Land of Lords and Farmers), the museum shows rural life in Twente around a hundred years ago and the role of the three "high lords" of Ootmarsum: the Hofmeier, the Drost and the Commandeur.

Highlights

• Authentic Twente farmsteads and craft houses (smithy, wheelwright's workshop, bakery) with original furnishings
• Exhibition about the Hofmeier of the Ootmarsum estate in the "Het Eppink" house
• Water mill and paper mill on the Molenbeek
• Drostenhuis in the town centre with the same ticket
• Free "Luusterkeske" audio tour and tablet treasure hunt for children

Permanent exhibitions

• Heeren en Boeren (Het Eppink) – Exhibition about the last Hofmeier of the Ootmarsum estate and his family von Beverforde, with recreated interiors and audio stations on lordship and serfdom.
• Water-/papiermolen – The Molenhuisje on the Molenbeek with a restored mill wheel and a reconstruction of the paper mill that belonged to the Commanderie estate.
• Drostenhuis Ootmarsum – 18th-century town house with period-furnished rooms, furniture and paintings; accessible with the same ticket.

Founded

1928

Admission & discounts

From 2027, adults pay €10 and teenagers €9. Free with the Museumkaart (Museumjaarkaart); the Museumkaart cannot be bought on site. The VriendenLoterij VIP card does not grant free admission. The ticket is also valid for the Drostenhuis in Ootmarsum.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

The grounds are largely wheelchair accessible, and loan wheelchairs are available. Dogs on a leash are welcome on the grounds.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Tablet treasure hunt with QR codes for children aged about 6 to 12 (accompanying person aged 18 or over required; reserve a tablet in advance by phone or email); school programmes for primary school.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A1 and Oldenzaal (exit 32).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Gasterij Oatmössche (restaurant on the Commanderieplein, independently operated, Tuesday–Sunday from 10:30 am), Othmar Bierspa hostel and museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Weddings in the rustic Los Hoes, in the Hofkamer, in the sheepfold or in the orchard; catering and reception through the Gasterij Oatmössche. Private photo shoots are also possible for a fee (from €75).

Plan your visit