Wilhelmietenmuseum

About the museum

The Wilhelmites trace back to Wilhelm of Maleval (d. 1157), a hermit in Italy whose followers founded monasteries across Europe. In 1278, the Our Lady monastery in Huijbergen was founded from the Wilhelmite monastery in 's-Hertogenbosch. It survived the Eighty Years' War, but in 1847 Father Quillielmus van den Bergh, the last monk of the entire order, left the site. The Vicariate of Breda took over the property for the education of orphans; later, the Brothers of Huijbergen began their educational work here.

In 1944, German troops set the monastery on fire, including its later extensions, during the Battle of Antwerp. The gatehouse from 1610 was spared; it is the last architectural remnant of the order in Europe. After thorough restoration, the Wilhelmietenmuseum opened there on August 27, 1977. Across six rooms, paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, religious and secular objects from the 16th to 19th centuries, icons and devotional prints recall the order and the work of the Brothers of Huijbergen.

Since May 15, 2020, the Stichting Behoud Religieus Kloostererfgoed in Huijbergen has run the museum. A curator responsible for the collection and the volunteers, together with about 25 volunteer helpers, keeps the house running. A visit can be combined with the gardens, the De Huijberg monastery shop and the chapel.

Highlights

• Gatehouse from 1610, the last architectural remnant of the Wilhelmite abbey in Europe
• Six rooms on the history of the order and the Brothers of Huijbergen
• Paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries
• Religious objects from the 16th to 19th centuries, icons and devotional prints

Permanent exhibition

• Wilhelmitenorde und Brüder von Huijbergen – Six rooms in the gatehouse with paintings, ritual objects, icons and mementos on the history of the monastery and the order.

Founded

1977

Operated by

Stichting Behoud Religieus Kloostererfgoed in Huijbergen

Admission & discounts

Card payment accepted. During opening hours, the De Huijberg monastery shop and the Ste. Marie chapel are also open.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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

According to the museum, it is accessible for wheelchair users.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop: not available

The museum has no shop or food service of its own; the De Huijberg monastery shop opens at the same times.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit