Peelmuseum

About the museum

The Peelmuseum in America (municipality of Horst aan de Maas) preserves the heritage of the Peel, once a vast raised bog landscape in North Limburg. It documents the hard life and heavy work of the peat workers and collects knowledge about the way of life, customs, trades and crafts of the former residents. It is run by the Stiftung Peelmuseum America (foundation), which is staffed entirely by volunteers: they welcome guests, lead visitors through the house, and look after refreshments, the collection and the grounds.

The centerpiece is the Kamphut, a historic wooden barrack that once housed peat workers, refugees and guest workers. Today it holds a documentation center and changing exhibitions; the guides tell, among other things, the story of Christiaan Hesen (1853–1947), who became known as “Rowwen Heze”. The barn displays tools used by the peat workers, including a peat press and spades, a glass case on how raised bogs form, a historic kitchen and taxidermied animals. A field barn houses further equipment and occasionally serves as a stage for performances.

On the grounds are a sod hut, where the poorest workers lived until about 1930, a sheep shed, Rowwen Heze's hut and a honeycomb-shaped bee pavilion with black bees. Since the end of 2022, the "Peelpark" has been under construction; it is meant to recreate the historic Peel landscape with a canal, a frog pond, wetland, paths and native plants.

Highlights

• Kamphut: historic workers' barrack with a documentation center
• Barn with peat press, spades and a glass case on how raised bogs form
• Sod hut where the poorest peat workers lived until about 1930
• Honeycomb-shaped bee pavilion with black bees
• Peelpark under construction, with canal, frog pond and paths
• Guided tour and a hot drink included in the admission price

Permanent exhibitions

• Kamphut mit Dokumentationszentrum – The historic workers' barrack shows the life of the peat workers, their families and later residents, and commemorates Christiaan Hesen.
• Scheune mit Torfgeräten – Peat-cutting tools, a case on the formation of raised bogs, a historic kitchen and taxidermied animals.
• Freigelände und Peelpark – Sod hut, sheep shed, bee pavilion and the Peelpark under construction, with canal and wetland.

Operated by

Stichting Peelmuseum America

Admission & discounts

Prices 2026. Admission includes a guided tour and a hot drink (children receive a glass of Ranja). Payment by contactless or card is possible.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Accessible parking space and wheelchair-accessible toilet available; dogs are allowed on a leash.

Kids & families

Children receive a glass of Ranja; admission from age 4.

Getting there & parking

There is a charging point for e-bikes at the museum.

Amenities & dining

Terrace; the air-conditioned main building is also suitable for hot days; charging point for e-bikes. For groups, coffee or tea with vlaai or lunch is available on request.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit