Palingsoundmuseum

About the museum

The Palingsoundmuseum is devoted to the music history of the fishing village of Volendam on the IJsselmeer, from which bands and singers with a style of their own, the "Palingsound" (eel sound), have emerged since the 1960s. The museum was opened on 13 May 2005 by the eel smoker and owner Jan Smit in the presence of several artists. It is located in a pavilion at the Marinapark above the fish restaurant with the eel smokehouse of the Smit family, who have been smoking fish there for more than 150 years.

Boards with photos and stories give an overview of Volendam music since 1905, from early musicians and bands to the village's well-known musical families. These include groups and artists such as The Cats, BZN, Left Side, Next One, Canyon, Jan Smit, 3JS and Nick & Simon. The museum also shows memorabilia such as instruments, record sleeves, gold and platinum records, awards, photos and video recordings; many items come from donations by local artists.

In the garden of the Paviljoen there are also bronze figures by the sculptor Rob Cerneüs. Those who want to learn more about the history of Volendam will find the interactive exhibition "Uniek Volendam" in the stadium of FC Volendam, about 200 metres away.

Highlights

• 100 years of Volendam music in pictures and sound
• Gold and platinum records, instruments, record sleeves
• Palingsound stars such as The Cats, BZN and Jan Smit
• Sculpture garden by Rob Cerneüs
• Eel smokehouse and fish restaurant in the same building

Permanent exhibitions

• 100 Jahre Volendamer Musik – Photo boards, instruments, records, awards and videos show the development of music in Volendam up to the Palingsound.
• Skulpturengarten Rob Cerneüs – Bronze sculptures by the artist Rob Cerneüs stand permanently in the garden of the Paviljoen.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Paviljoen Smit-Bokkum

Admission & discounts

Admission according to the Dutch page of the Paviljoen.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The Paviljoen is located at the Marinapark in Volendam.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

In the same building: fish restaurant with eel smokehouse and terrace, and a fishmonger's.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

Multifunctional room of the Paviljoen for meetings, seminars and workshops with 5 to 50 people, available to hire in third-of-a-day slots (€100–200).

Plan your visit