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Old Dutch Windmill

Visit the Netherlands: Open Air Museum in Arnhem

by Emiel Van Den Boomen

Old farmer Dutch setting

“Dad, how many centuries are there between the past and now?”

My son was writing his report about our visit to the Open Air Museum (in Dutch: OpenLucht Museum). He wants to start his own blog about Holland (yes I know, he is only 8) and he was trying to figure out what Old Dutch style really means.

The Open Air Museum in Arnhem, the Netherlands, is all about the Old Dutch style. In short: it’s an overview of authentic buildings, objects and true stories from the old days. The museum really bring the past of the Netherlands to life.

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

Netherlands Open Air Museum

As the museum very well describes, it’s a journey through the last two hundred years of our small country. The great thing: it’s a combination of buildings and objects from different parts of the country, both city and rural areas. It’s really Holland in just one day (and not only the past, also the present).

Visit open air Museum Arnhem
‘Open Lucht’ is Dutch for Open Air. This is the Dutch or Netherlands Open Air Museum where you can walk around and check out old dutch farm houses, cottages, a brewery, old churches, Amsterdam canal houses, windmills, and much more!

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

Dutch traditions

Our kids became fascinated by the old dutch houses and traditions: making wooden shoes, extracting oil from seeds in a real oil mill. We also watched flax production, brewing beer, paper production and much more.

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

One of the historical farms was moved to the museum 10 years ago. The government decided to build a new high-speed rail track and some farms had to be sacrificed. Not this one. This one has monumental value so they cut the farm in 4 big pieces and rebuild it at the Museum grounds. This is how we are safeguarding our history!

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

If you don’t like walking, take the electric tram! They drive around the park and (for all you tram lovers out there) the museum’s showpiece is the GETA 76, a replica of an Arnhem tram from 1929!

Old dutch tram

Don’t forget to visit the HollandRama, a cinematic experience where you are given a real view of the interior of historical buildings and the way Dutch people lived. If you want to have a quick overview of what Holland looks looked like, please do visit the Open Air museum in Arnhem. An average visit will last around 4 hours.

Old Dutch Windmill

Dutch windmill up close

Cannot wait and want to read more about things to do in the Netherlands? Click here for my 5 favorite places! 

ALSO READ: 48 HOURS IN ARNHEM WITH KIDS

Visit open air Museum Arnhem

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10 comments

monique January 11, 2013 - 01:56

Emiel, I’ll admit it. I envy you dutch for so many reasons. I have started to eat a slice of gouda cheese on bread for lunch every day – as my dutch friend told me you do – to feel a little dutch here in california I guess. Jenna wrote a great piece on amsterdam, and culturetripper wrote one on the coolest church turned book store in your parts. you’re everywhere! Love the museum and wooden shoes pic.

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Emiel van den Boomen January 12, 2013 - 21:18

Thanks Monique! Don’t just envy us, come and visit Holland! And yes, we do eat lots of cheese every day 🙂

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Cheryl January 7, 2013 - 09:18

This is so cool! I’ve always been fascinated about the Dutch culture, so this is really one cool way to learn more about the Dutch and their way of life, past and present.

I actually visited something like this in Aarhus, Denmark last year. It’s called the Den Gamle By, and it’s such an enriching experience for me because the place was filled with Danish houses and materials that the Danish used for their work and inside their homes. It was really cool! You and your kids should check it out when you visit Denmark.

And I’m definitely keeping this open air museum that you’ve suggested in mind for when I get to visit Netherlands. 🙂

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Emiel van den Boomen January 7, 2013 - 17:33

Cheryl, I can imagine more museums like this across Europe (or even worldwide). Whenever we visit Denmark, I’ll make sure to put that one on the list. Thanks for your comment!

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Cheryl March 3, 2013 - 02:36

I think every country should put up something like this. It’s a wonderful way to learn about the people’s culture.

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Jenna Francisco January 6, 2013 - 22:53

It is so important for all countries to keep the past traditions alive in some way. This looks like an interesting place to visit and is a great resource for both travelers and locals like you guys. Thanks for sharing it! Nice photos, too 🙂

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Emiel van den Boomen January 6, 2013 - 22:59

It’s a great resource indeed, Jenna. The last time I visited the museum was when I was a kid in high school and it was great to be back again (with our own kids…)

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Jessica January 6, 2013 - 22:04

Terrific pictures! I wish we had seen this when we last visited.

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Emiel van den Boomen January 6, 2013 - 22:06

Thank you Jessica! When did you visit the Netherlands and what places did you go to?

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Jessica January 6, 2013 - 22:37

We visited Amsterdam in 2009 and were only able to visit the major tourist attractions there-art museum, Anne Frank house, Zaanse Schans. We wanted to stay longer,but I was restricted to flying home before I reached my 36th week of pregnancy. We flew out when I was 35 weeks, five days. 🙂

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