Museum 't Olde Maat Uus
Step back in time at this charming living museum, showcasing 1800s Giethoorn village life with costumed actors and authentic heritage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Museum 't Olde Maat Uus
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this charming living museum, showcasing 1800s Giethoorn village life with costumed actors and authentic heritage.
"It gives the feeling of walking in a house in 1800s. We loved to look around."
Museum Card Accepted
:ticket: Museumkaart is valid here, making it a great value for Dutch museum enthusiasts.
Try the Heritage Food
:knifeforkplate: Don't miss the chance to taste authentic heritage food; it's surprisingly delicious!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1800s Village Life
Wander through a historic house and discover unfamiliar items from the past. Costumed actors make history come alive.

Traditional Thatched Roofs
Admire the authentic architecture and traditional thatched-roof houses that define Giethoorn's picturesque landscape.

Heritage Food Tasting
Sample delicious and authentic heritage food, a delightful culinary experience offered by the warm and welcoming staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Combine with a Canal Cruise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Museum Card Accepted
:ticket: Museumkaart is valid here, making it a great value for Dutch museum enthusiasts.
Try the Heritage Food
:knifeforkplate: Don't miss the chance to taste authentic heritage food; it's surprisingly delicious!
Dress Up for Photos
:camerawithflash: You can try on traditional clothing for fun photos inside the museum.
Combine with Boat Trip
:boat: Rent a boat or take a trip to fully experience Giethoorn's unique charm.
Tips
from all over the internet
Museum Card Accepted
:ticket: Museumkaart is valid here, making it a great value for Dutch museum enthusiasts.
Try the Heritage Food
:knifeforkplate: Don't miss the chance to taste authentic heritage food; it's surprisingly delicious!
Dress Up for Photos
:camerawithflash: You can try on traditional clothing for fun photos inside the museum.
Combine with Boat Trip
:boat: Rent a boat or take a trip to fully experience Giethoorn's unique charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Museum 't Olde Maat Uus to be a small but incredibly charming and cute museum, offering a genuine feel of 1800s village life. The warm and friendly staff, the opportunity to try heritage food, and the chance to dress up in historical clothes are frequently praised. It's seen as a peaceful and unforgettable glimpse into Giethoorn's rich heritage.
"It is a small but really cute museum. It gives the feeling of walking in a house in 1800s. We loved to look around in the house and read about some of the unfamiliar items aim of use. You can also put some clothes on from these times and take some photos. Museum card is valid here."
Buket Eren
"Clean and tidy restrooms with hand soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and a diaper changing station. The museum's environment and staff are warm and friendly."
衛生股長(廁所評論家)
"My visit to Giethoorn and its museum in 2016 was truly peaceful and unforgettable. The quiet canals, charming houses, and the calm countryside atmosphere made it feel like a dream. A perfect getaway from the busy city life!"
Wadha Almarri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Museum 't Olde Maat Uus is located in the heart of Giethoorn. If arriving by car, look for parking areas near the village center. From there, it's a short walk. Many visitors arrive by boat, as Giethoorn is known as the 'Venice of the Netherlands'. Consider a boat tour that stops near the museum for a scenic approach.
Yes, there are several parking lots available in Giethoorn village. Parking fees may apply. From the parking areas, it's a pleasant walk to the museum, allowing you to soak in the village atmosphere.
While Giethoorn is best explored by boat, you can reach the village via public transport. Take a train to Steenwijk or Zwolle, then catch a bus (e.g., bus line 70) towards Giethoorn. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, the Museumkaart is valid for entry to Museum 't Olde Maat Uus, offering free admission to cardholders.
Ticket prices are reasonable, and the museum offers good value for the experience. Check their official channels for current admission fees.
While advance booking might not be strictly necessary for this smaller museum, it's always a good idea to check if online ticketing is available, especially during peak season, to save time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum is a living history exhibit showcasing a typical Giethoorn farmhouse from the 1800s. You'll see period furnishings, tools, and learn about the daily lives of the villagers. Costumed actors often bring the exhibits to life.
Yes, visitors can try on traditional clothing for photos and sometimes even sample heritage foods, making it an engaging experience for all ages.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the chance to see how people lived in the past and the opportunity to dress up in historical costumes. The friendly staff also make it a welcoming environment.
Yes, the museum has clean and tidy restrooms, which are well-equipped with essential amenities like hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper. A diaper changing station is also available.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, especially for personal use. However, it's always polite to ask staff if you're unsure, particularly if using flash.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Museum 't Olde Maat Uus has a cafe where you can enjoy refreshments. They also offer a chance to taste traditional heritage food.
The cafe offers a selection of drinks and snacks. A highlight is the opportunity to try authentic heritage food, which visitors have found to be very tasty.
Giethoorn has numerous charming cafes and restaurants along its canals, offering various cuisines. You can easily find a place to eat before or after your museum visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The museum itself, with its historic farmhouse setting and period costumes, offers great photo ops. Trying on the traditional clothes is a popular choice for memorable pictures.
The interiors of the house, especially rooms furnished as they would have been in the 1800s, are very photogenic. The exterior of the thatched-roof house also makes for a lovely shot.
Mornings often offer softer light and fewer people, which can be ideal for photography. However, the costumed actors are usually present in the afternoon, adding a dynamic element to your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum offers a great introduction, consider combining it with a boat trip on the canals. Kids often love being on the water, and it's a unique way to explore Giethoorn. Look for family-friendly boat tours or rent a small electric boat for a more personal adventure. The peaceful environment of Giethoorn is generally very pleasant for younger visitors.
🏛️ History Buffs
To gain a broader understanding of the region's history, consider visiting other nearby historical sites or museums if time permits. However, the 't Olde Maat Uus museum is a must-visit for its focused and immersive portrayal of a specific time and place. The Museumkaart validity also makes it an accessible and valuable addition to any history-focused itinerary in the Netherlands.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the museum, the entire village of Giethoorn is a photographer's dream. The network of canals, charming bridges, and quaint houses create endless scenic compositions. Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for capturing the serene beauty of the village. Don't forget to capture the unique mode of transport – the boats!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Living History Experience
Visitors often rave about the warmth and friendliness of the staff and actors. They are happy to answer questions and share insights into the local heritage. This personal touch elevates the experience, making it feel less like a formal museum visit and more like stepping into a historical narrative. The opportunity to try on traditional clothing adds a fun, interactive element that many find memorable.
Beyond the house itself, the museum is set within the picturesque village of Giethoorn. The traditional thatched-roof houses and quiet canals are an integral part of the historical context. While the museum provides an in-depth look at domestic life, exploring the surrounding village afterward is essential to fully appreciate the setting.
Giethoorn's Unique Charm: Beyond the Museum
To truly experience Giethoorn, renting a boat is highly recommended. You can opt for a self-drive electric boat (whisper boat) or join a guided canal cruise. Gliding through the serene waterways, passing under charming wooden bridges, and admiring the beautifully preserved farmhouses is an unforgettable experience. Many visitors suggest dedicating ample time to explore the canals, as it complements the historical context provided by the museum.
When visiting, remember that Giethoorn is a living village, not just a tourist attraction. Respect the residents' privacy and enjoy the tranquility. The combination of the historical insights from Museum 't Olde Maat Uus and the serene beauty of its canal-laced landscape makes for a truly special Dutch experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit