Volksbuurtmuseum Wijk C Stichting, Utrecht

Located on Waterstraat in the heart of Utrecht, the Volksbuurt Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Wijk C, one of the city’s most well-known working-class neighborhoods. Once a densely populated area where large families lived in cramped, poorly conditioned homes, Wijk C was home to “the common people,” who worked hard to make ends meet and relied on community solidarity to navigate daily life.

A century ago, District C-as named by the French occupiers-was Utrecht’s most crowded neighborhood. Life was tough, with poverty, overcrowding, and relentless labor shaping daily existence. However, despite the hardships, there was a strong sense of togetherness, with neighbors supporting one another through thick and thin.

While the old Wijk C no longer exists, its spirit endures in the Volksbuurt Museum. The museum brings together a large collection of objects and photographs, offering a glimpse into how people lived, worked, and built their community. More than just a historical exhibition, it also reflects on contemporary issues in urban living, as modern Utrecht residents share their perspectives on challenges that remain relevant today.

The museum is the result of a community-driven effort, with residents actively contributing stories, photographs, and personal belongings to keep the neighborhood’s identity alive. What began as a private photo collection in the local community center has, over the past 30 years, evolved into a full-fledged museum, preserving the rich and resilient history of Utrecht’s working class.