Groningen is full of striking and quirky museums. Biscuit tins, washing machines, ice skates and LEGO get their own stage here. From a living-room museum where the residents live among the collection to old buses: everywhere you come across striking finds. For those who like curiosities and don't like neat showcases, we have already listed a few museums.
Blik Trommel en Oudheden Museum
Niezijl - Some people collect stamps, but this couple from Niezijl clearly had bigger plans. What started as an innocent hobby grew into a colourful collection of thousands of cans, so much so that they ended up displaying them above the shelves of their supermarket. When the shop closed, they decided to turn it into a museum. Thus was born the Tin, Drum and Antiquities Museum, which now has more than 7,500 tins, old tools, children's toys and crockery. You will be welcomed with open arms, a good story, a cup of coffee and a cake.
Read more
Nationaal Bus Museum
Hoogezand - In the old days, you didn't just take the bus, you went 'mit Gado noar stad' or boarded one of the other bus companies such as ESA and DAM. The Nationaal Bus Museum in Hoogezand has them all neatly lined up: the buses of yesteryear. You'll find a special collection of autobuses and various coaches from vervlogen tijden, and even a prison bus. Tickets, cutters, ties, caps and uniforms are of course not to be missed. Are you Stap?
Read more
Waschmuseum
Doezum - Big washes, small washes, put them in the washing machine! A necessary good for some, pure relaxation for others. In Doezum, laundry has even become a true passion. The Waschmuseum is all about the art of cleaning, with antique washing machines, washtubs and boilers from days gone by. You can see how the first appliances started around 1900 and how they developed into the models of the 1960s. Between the shiny mangles, nostalgic irons and old garments, you will imagine yourself in a time when laundry day was quite an event.
Read more
LEGiO-museum
Grootegast - What can you find on Legolaan in Grootegast? Right, a LEGO museum, of course. Here, enthusiasts can feast their eyes on towers, trains and scenes made of thousands of colourful bricks. The museum is part of the Museumplein, together with the Victory Museum and the Museum Printing Works. You can admire an ode to Groningen with famous buildings like the Martinitoren and the City Hall, completely recreated in LEGO. And if you still have energy left, you can indulge in real LEGO games or settle down in the museum cinema.
Read more
Brandweermuseum
Sappemeer - For many, it remains a childhood dream: working in the fire brigade. At het Brandweermuseum in Sappemeer, you can live that dream for a while. Dozens of shiny fire engines, mostly from Groningen, are neatly lined up - but that's not all. You can also admire small equipment, from old fire engines to a real fireman's bike. There are regular open days or parades where the wagons are put into action. An adventure that sets everyone on fire, perfect for the whole family or a children's party.
Read more
Groninger Schaatsmuseum
Sappemeer - Stap back in time, to harsh winters and natural ice, make metres and have a nice break with some cake and biscuits. Ice skating collector Alex Kampinga started collecting 'scheuvels', a hobby that has now got completely out of hand. The collection has more than 200 pairs of skates from all over the world, from primitive glisses made of cow or horse joints to wood and irons from the beginning of the last century. Posters, figurines and other skating materials also tell the story of how the sport of skating developed over the centuries.
Read more
't Hoeske van Opoe Iet
Delfzijl - This living room museum takes you back in time. 't Hoeske is not only remarkable for its collection but also for the fact that its residents live among it. Seven rooms show more than a quarter of a century of collecting everyday objects from 1735 to around 1950. On the ground floor you will find washing and ironing utensils, toys, samplers and a cosy peasant kitchenette, while the upper floor houses a maternity room full of christening items, baby clothes and rare medical instruments. In this special house museum, you can feel history come alive.
Read more
Het kleinste museum
Noordwolde - It does not really amount to anything and that is exactly its charm. In the garden of De Woldstee village hall is Groningen's smallest museum. Inspired by het kleinste museum in the world, this tiny museum always shows something different behind the window. You don't have to go inside, because everything can be seen from outside. Small but nice.
Read more
Bakery Museum Mendels
Middelstum - In this national monument in Middelstum you will find Bakery Museum Mendels, a bakery since 1792. The last baker, Hendrikus Mendels, was known for his rye bread, baked in an oven with wood and peat. In the authentic shop and workshop, you can see old counters, ovens, baking tools and shelves full of goodies. There are even more historical items to view in the attic. Behind the building, you can enjoy a cup of tea in the teahouse or shop. Here you really stap back in time.
Read more
Wall House #2
Groningen - In a residential area on the Hoornsemeer stands Wall House #2, a building that is a work of art on the outside and on the inside. The house has never had permanent residents, but offers ever-changing exhibitions by local artists. Three colourful spaces hang on the large wall, each with its own function and place for artists to shine. A wonderful place for those who love architecture, art and unexpected insights. The great thing is that you can just walk in for free.
Read more
