Visserijmuseum Breskens

About the museum

The Visserijmuseum tells the story of fishing in Breskens, a fishing village on the Westerschelde. It was founded in 1990 and for a long time was housed on the upper floor of the local fish auction hall. The last opening day there was October 31, 2025; since then the house has been closed to visitors.

The new museum is being built as part of a Viscentrum in the harbor of Breskens, which will also house the sea rescue organization KNRM and a catering business. The first piles were driven in April 2025. The entrance is at the pedestrian bridge on the wooden path above the dike; from the harbor side the building can also be reached by stairs and an elevator. The opening has been announced for October 13, 2026, after April 2026 was initially given.

The red thread of the exhibition is the life of the fisherman. It presents the history of the village and the harbor, ship models, the work with nets and knots, and a large collection of stuffed birds; in addition there are stories told by people from Breskens. The first fishing vessel of the village was registered in Bruges in 1890 as BR 1. Visitors can also try out what it is like to fish, steer and work in the fish hall.

Highlights

• New building in the Viscentrum at the harbor of Breskens
• Life of the fisherman as the red thread
• Ship models and net knotting to try out
• Large collection of stuffed birds
• Stories from fishermen of Breskens

Permanent exhibition

• Das Leben des Fischers in Breskens – The permanent exhibition covers the history of the village and harbor, ship models, net and knot work, and a large bird collection with interactive stations.

Founded

1990

Operated by

Stichting Visserijmuseum Breskens

Admission & discounts

Free admission with a Museumkaart (not for events, unless otherwise stated). Payment by card or cash. Packages, such as a combination ticket with the Seehundfahrt (seal-watching boat trip), are planned from 2027.

Accessibility

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

The museum is wheelchair-accessible; the entrance for wheelchair users is on the street side, where there are stairs and an elevator. Dogs are not allowed; assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

The museum is explicitly aimed at young and old; children can take an active part, for example by fishing, steering and working in the fish hall.

Getting there & parking

By car from the Westerscheldetunnel (Terneuzen) it is about 25 minutes to Breskens; there, follow the signs to the harbor area via the Scheldekade to the Keerdam. The entrance is at the pedestrian bridge.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Coffee and tea are available for a fee in the coffee room, plus a drinks vending machine. For groups, coffee with "bolus" is possible after reservation.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit