Stedelijk Museum Breda

About the museum

The Stedelijk Museum Breda is the city museum of Breda and has existed in its present form since 2017. It tells the history of the city and the surrounding barony, places an emphasis on the Nassau family, which shaped Breda for centuries, and also shows contemporary art by artists connected to the city.

The building on Boschstraat looks back on almost 800 years: in 1246 a gasthuis (hospice) for travellers and the sick is first mentioned on this site. From 1798 it officially served as an old men's home until it closed in 1953. In 1956 the cultural centre De Beyerd moved in, followed in 2008 by the Graphic Design Museum and later the Museum of the Image. From the monumental façade by the stonemason Laureys Drijffhout, two figures with walking sticks, popularly called Thijs and Geert, still look down today.

The collection comprises more than 60,000 objects, including paintings, silverware and clothing of past eras. Around 800 works make up the contemporary art collection (1960 to the present). Two permanent exhibitions lead through the history of the city: “De Nassaus van Breda” on the era of the Nassau lords and “Ambitie & Verlangen” on 19th-century Breda between industrialisation and a romantic longing for the past.

Highlights

• Multimedia permanent exhibition “De Nassaus van Breda” with a newly discovered portrait of William of Orange (1583)
• Permanent exhibition “Ambitie & Verlangen” on Breda in the 19th century
• Historic building of 1246 with a Renaissance portal and the figures Thijs and Geert
• Collection of contemporary art connected to the city of Breda
• Museum café with Breda beers and apple pie from Het Klooster Breda

Permanent exhibitions

• De Nassaus van Breda – Multimedia permanent exhibition on the Nassau lords of Breda, their feasts, intrigues and buildings up to the Peace of Westphalia; with historical objects, art and the family trail for children.
• Ambitie & Verlangen – Breda in the 19th century: factories such as Wittouck, Backer & Rueb and Kwatta, the demolition of the fortifications and Romantic painting as a counter-movement.

Founded

2017

Operated by

Stichting Stedelijk Museum Breda

Admission & discounts

Free admission with Museumkaart, VriendenLoterij VIP-Kaart, Rembrandtkaart, ICOM and AICA card, the museum's Vrienden card and BredaPas. Tickets online or at the ticket desk; in the museum only card payment or payment by smartphone app. Tickets bought online can be rebooked for another date; no refunds are given.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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

Lift, accessible toilet and a manual wheelchair available (reserving the wheelchair by telephone or by email to receptie@stedelijkmuseumbreda.nl is recommended). Dogs are only allowed as assistance dogs or guide dogs on a lead.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

The “Familiespoor” (from age 4) leads playfully through “De Nassaus van Breda” with a stamp card and 13 stations; the card is available at reception. There are also family workshops and holiday programmes as well as educational offerings for primary and secondary schools.

Getting there & parking

Bicycles can be parked free of charge at Oude Vest, in the guarded bicycle garage Het Turfschip or, unguarded, opposite the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Museum café with coffee, pastries, wine and Breda beer; museum shop with art books, postcards and items for children, also accessible without an admission ticket. Free lockers and cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Auditorium for up to 100 people with projector and sound system; catering via the museum café possible, exhibition visit or guided tour can be combined for guests.

Plan your visit