Weegschaalmuseum

About the museum

Behind the museum stands the scale dealer and collector René Pas, who gathered scales and measuring instruments over more than forty years. In 1991, together with a fellow enthusiast, he founded a foundation to unite the two collections. After roughly two decades of searching, the foundation found a home in the Spaanse Huis in Naarden; the museum opened its doors there on 8 June 2012.

The building is one of the oldest houses in the fortified town. It first served as the chapel of a hospital and later became the town hall. It owes its name to the massacre of 1572, in which Spanish troops killed large parts of the male population. After its reconstruction in 1615 the house was, among other things, a weigh house and a French military bakery; from 1924 to 1992 it housed the Comenius Museum.

The collection comprises beam scales, spring scales, weights as well as measures of length and capacity, and is complemented by a library and an archive on weighing and measuring. The museum tells how measures and calibration developed and why uniform standards are so important for trade and everyday life. A shortened Foucault pendulum is also part of the tour.

Highlights

• Collection of historical scales, weights, and measures of length and capacity
• Medieval Spaanse Huis with an eventful history
• Shortened Foucault pendulum
• Discovery rally for children at the ticket desk
• Small garden behind the house

Permanent exhibition

• Sammlung historischer Wäge- und Messinstrumente – Scales, weights, and measures of length and capacity show how measuring and weighing have accompanied humanity through the centuries.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Stichting Weegschaal Museum Naarden

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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 medieval listed building has many stairs and steps and is largely not accessible to wheelchair and scooter users.

Kids & families

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

At the ticket desk there is a discovery rally with an answer sheet; birthday parties can be organised through the in-house caterer. School programmes for various age groups.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

According to the website, refreshments are available in a historic setting, and there is a small garden for good weather.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 25 guests.

The Spaanse Huis can be rented as a meeting room for about 25 people with a projector and conference table; catering through a partner business. Birthday parties and dinners for groups are also possible.

Plan your visit