Zaans Museum, Zaandam
The Zaans Museum is a cultural history museum that offers a fascinating journey through the rich heritage of the Zaan region. Established in 1998, the museum serves as a repository for cultural-historical and regional collections, shedding light on the residential and industrial culture that has defined the Zaan area over the years.
Designed by architect Cor van Hillo and housed in a building constructed in 1999, the Zaans Museum is not only a treasure trove of historical artifacts but also a feat of contemporary and open architecture. The museum's lighting design was also celebrated, earning awards like the Edison Award 2000 and the International Illumination Design Award 2001.
In 2009, the museum expanded its offerings with the addition of the Verkade Experience, an immersive exhibit that provides visitors with insights into the culture and history of the region. The museum's extensive collection showcases various aspects of home culture, including regional costumes, Zaans painted furniture, and everyday items from Zaandam households. Furthermore, the industrial collection delves into the legacies of prominent Zaan companies like Bruynzeel, Honig, Albert Heijn, and Lassie.
In 2015, the museum made a significant acquisition, securing an oil painting by the renowned French impressionist Claude Monet from his Zaanse period (June 4 - October 8, 1871). The painting, titled "De Voorzaan en de Westerhem," was acquired for approximately 1.16 million euros. In a bizarre incident on August 15, 2021, two individuals attempted to steal a 39.2 x 71.5 cm canvas with a frame from the museum in broad daylight. However, their endeavor proved unsuccessful, as they left the painting outside the museum after removing it from the wall.
Designed by architect Cor van Hillo and housed in a building constructed in 1999, the Zaans Museum is not only a treasure trove of historical artifacts but also a feat of contemporary and open architecture. The museum's lighting design was also celebrated, earning awards like the Edison Award 2000 and the International Illumination Design Award 2001.
In 2009, the museum expanded its offerings with the addition of the Verkade Experience, an immersive exhibit that provides visitors with insights into the culture and history of the region. The museum's extensive collection showcases various aspects of home culture, including regional costumes, Zaans painted furniture, and everyday items from Zaandam households. Furthermore, the industrial collection delves into the legacies of prominent Zaan companies like Bruynzeel, Honig, Albert Heijn, and Lassie.
In 2015, the museum made a significant acquisition, securing an oil painting by the renowned French impressionist Claude Monet from his Zaanse period (June 4 - October 8, 1871). The painting, titled "De Voorzaan en de Westerhem," was acquired for approximately 1.16 million euros. In a bizarre incident on August 15, 2021, two individuals attempted to steal a 39.2 x 71.5 cm canvas with a frame from the museum in broad daylight. However, their endeavor proved unsuccessful, as they left the painting outside the museum after removing it from the wall.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Zaandam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Zaans Museum on Map
Sight Name: Zaans Museum
Sight Location: Zaandam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Zaandam)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Zaandam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Zaandam)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Zaandam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Zaandam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Zaandam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Windmills Village Walk
Windmills Village, or Zaanse Schans, as it's known locally, is a truly unique place in the Netherlands. In this quaint location, packed to the brim with postcard-perfect wooden houses, windmills, and barns, one can easily experience what life was like in the country back in the 1850s.
Among the village's top highlights is the Museum of the Dutch Clock. Home to a stunning collection of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Among the village's top highlights is the Museum of the Dutch Clock. Home to a stunning collection of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Zaandam Introduction Walking Tour
Although historically significant as such, Zaandam, a charming old town on the banks of the Zaan River in the northwestern part of the Netherlands, does not have the same level of worldwide recognition as some larger cities. Despite its close proximity to Amsterdam, Zaandam has a plethora of tourist attractions of its own, readily available for those who seek them.
The name "Zaandam"... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
The name "Zaandam"... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles