Rien Poortvliet Museum
Museum on the nature island of Tiengemeten with original works by the painter and illustrator Rien Poortvliet and a Kabouterzolder (gnome attic) for children.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum was opened in 1992 by Prince Bernhard in the old town hall of Middelharnis and is dedicated to the work of Rien Poortvliet (1932–1995), who became known above all through his books as a "tekenend verteller" (drawing storyteller). After financial difficulties it closed in December 2006. In early 2007 the Poortvliet family and the nature conservation organisation Natuurmonumenten agreed on a new location on the island of Tiengemeten, which had been converted from farmland to nature reserve in 2006.
In July 2009 the museum opened in the Marguerita Hoeve, an early 19th-century farmhouse. The exhibition rooms are small; each year the museum puts together a new selection of originals from Poortvliet's large body of work, consisting of oil paintings, watercolours and pencil and pen drawings, with the theme "Wild van Wild" in 2026 and "Grasduinen" in 2027. Watercolours for Klaas Vaak can be seen in an outbuilding.
Upstairs under the roof is the Kabouterzolder: original watercolours from the gnome books surround a playhouse, a gnome boat and a reading and crafts table. The shop sells books, calendars, cards and posters. The museum can only be reached by ferry from Nieuwendijk; the island also has the Landbouwmuseum, with which there is a combination ticket.
Highlights
- Annually newly compiled selection of originals from the work of Rien Poortvliet
- Kabouterzolder with original watercolours, playhouse and crafts corner for children
- Watercolours for Klaas Vaak in the outbuilding
- Museum shop with books, calendars and posters by Rien Poortvliet
- Located on the nature island of Tiengemeten, accessible only by ferry
Permanent exhibition
- Kabouterzolder – Original watercolours from the gnome books by Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen, plus a playhouse, a gnome boat and a reading and crafts table.
- Founded
- 1992
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €2.50free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 12; free under 4 |
| Families | €24Family combination ticket with the Landbouwmuseum (2 adults and a maximum of 3 children) |
| Combination ticket with Landbouwmuseum (adults) | €12 |
| Combination ticket with Landbouwmuseum (children aged 4–12) | €4 |
A ferry ticket to Tiengemeten is also required; it is sold online or at the information point at the landing stage, not on board.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- 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 shop is accessible for people with limited mobility.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | €24 · Family combination ticket with the Landbouwmuseum (2 adults and a maximum of 3 children) |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
Children can play, have stories read to them and do crafts in the Kabouterzolder; school programmes for grades 1 to 8.
Getting there & parking
By car via the A29, exit Numansdorp/Zuid-Beijerland, then follow the signs to the Tiengemeten ferry as far as Nieuwendijk. The museum can only be reached by ferry; information point at the landing stage 1 April to 1 November Tue–Sun 9:30 am–4:30 pm.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Shop with Poortvliet books, calendars, cards, posters and second-hand books.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Group tours by registration, a maximum of about 12 people per group, duration 45–60 minutes. The ferry departs on time; the return crossing from Tiengemeten leaves about 10 minutes after the departure times from Nieuwendijk. |
