Space Expo

About the museum

Space Expo in Noordwijk is the Dutch space museum and also the visitor centre of ESA ESTEC, the European Space Research and Technology Centre. The exhibition is located on the centre's grounds and, according to common accounts, was opened in 1990 by Queen Beatrix. It is run by its own foundation; the museum sees itself as a showcase for the Dutch space industry.

The museum shows how spaceflight shapes everyday life, for example in navigation, communication, weather forecasting and climate monitoring. Using real exhibits and stories from spaceflight, it explains the relationship between humans, space travel and the universe. The permanent exhibitions include a look back at more than 160 years of space history, an area called "The Treasury" with over fifty objects, and interactive stations on Earth observation and satellite data. A special feature is a replica of a cleanroom in which visitors plan their own space mission.

The collection includes original pieces such as the flight suit of the first Dutch astronaut, Wubbo Ockels, and a prototype of the Eurobot robotic vehicle. Since May 2026, the scientific library of ESA ESTEC has been merged with the museum's book holdings into a space library of more than 6,000 books. In front of the entrance, twelve bronze sculptures of the zodiac signs by Toon Slegers greet visitors. For the future, the museum is planning a larger Space Experience Centre as part of an expansion programme.

Highlights

• "Historical Highlights" permanent exhibition on more than 160 years of space history
• "The Treasury" with more than 50 objects, including personal items of astronauts
• Interactive Cleanroom station for planning your own space mission
• European Robotic Arm ERA and Eurobot prototype
• Space Train: tour of the ESA ESTEC grounds (separate ticket)

Permanent exhibitions

• Historical Highlights – A journey through more than 160 years of space history, from the first dreams of the Moon to today's missions.
• The Treasury – More than fifty special objects from the collection, from astronauts' personal items to parts of satellites and space telescopes.
• The Cleanroom – Interactive station where visitors design their own space mission, for example to the Moon, to Mars or for satellite navigation.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Stichting Space Expo

Director

Frédérique van Steekelenburg

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart, VriendenLoterij VIP card and ICOM card (one person each). Card payment only. All exhibitions are included in the admission price.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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

Largely accessible for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and rollators. Two manual wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge (reservation recommended on +31 71 200 1400), two disabled parking spaces. The Space Train is not accessible (high steps, no lifts).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

Interactive children's quest (from age 5) with a certificate, additional activities during the holidays, and children's birthday parties.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle racks available. Address: Keplerlaan 3, Noordwijk.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with indoor and outdoor seating (same hours as the museum) for drinks, ice cream and small snacks; Space Shop with clothing, books and Lego.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 500 guests.

Available for hire include the Central Core (up to 300 people), Space Station Square, Historical Highlights and a conference room for up to 135 people; the entire museum for up to 500 guests. Events from 20 people, price on request.

Plan your visit