Zeeuws Museum
Photo: Own work — CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Explore Zeeland’s history and culture through art, archaeology, and textiles in a restored medieval abbey in Middelburg.
Planning your visit
The Zeeuws Museum occupies Middelburg's abbey, founded in the twelfth century and rebuilt after the town was firebombed in May 1940 — the abbey buildings and much of the centre were destroyed and reconstructed.
The collections cover Zeeland: archaeology from the drowned villages and the Roman-era Nehalennia altars raised from the Scheldt, regional costume in one of the strongest such holdings in the country, and paintings and applied art.
The tapestries are the singular objects. Six enormous pieces woven between 1593 and 1604 depict the naval battles of the Dutch revolt against Spain, commissioned by the province to commemorate its own victories, and they are extraordinary documents as well as textiles.
The cabinet of curiosities from a local collector is displayed in period arrangement.
Middelburg is Zeeland's capital. Allow two hours. Current availability is shown below.
Before you book
Where is Zeeuws Museum?
Zeeuws Museum is in Middelburg, Netherlands. The map on this page marks its exact location.
How long should I allow for Zeeuws Museum?
Allow two hours. That is the time the collection itself takes at an unhurried pace, before any queue.
Do I need to book Zeeuws Museum in advance?
Tickets can be bought on the door at quiet times, but booking ahead fixes the date and avoids the queue at busy ones. Live availability is shown on this page.