Teylers Museum
The oldest museum in the Netherlands, blending art, natural history, and science with a stunning Oval Room and historic charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Teylers Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The oldest museum in the Netherlands, blending art, natural history, and science with a stunning Oval Room and historic charm.
"Felt like stepping into a time capsule at the oldest museum in the Netherlands!"
⏳ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
The museum is smaller but packed with wonders. Give yourself ample time to explore without rushing.
✨ Museumkaart = Free Entry
If you have a Museumkaart, entry is free! A great deal for multiple museum visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Oval Room
Central Hall
A stunning, light-filled oval room showcasing scientific instruments and fossils. A true architectural marvel.
Fossil Collection
Natural History Wing
Impressive array of fossils, including ancient sea creatures and prehistoric mammals. A journey through geological time.
Scientific Instruments
Science Wing
Fascinating collection of early scientific devices, especially those related to electricity discovery. Educational and intriguing.
Pieter Teyler House
Original House
Explore the historic rooms of the museum's founder, often featuring special exhibitions. A glimpse into 18th-century life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Glare
Museumkaart Advantage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
The museum is smaller but packed with wonders. Give yourself ample time to explore without rushing.
✨ Museumkaart = Free Entry
If you have a Museumkaart, entry is free! A great deal for multiple museum visits. 
👂 Sound Parabola Trick
Stand at the right spot in the parabola to hear distant sounds clearly. A fun acoustic experiment!
☕ Backyard Cafe
Enjoy coffee in the charming backyard cafe. Some find it a bit pricey, but it's a nice break.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow 1.5-2 Hours
The museum is smaller but packed with wonders. Give yourself ample time to explore without rushing.
✨ Museumkaart = Free Entry
If you have a Museumkaart, entry is free! A great deal for multiple museum visits.
👂 Sound Parabola Trick
Stand at the right spot in the parabola to hear distant sounds clearly. A fun acoustic experiment!
☕ Backyard Cafe
Enjoy coffee in the charming backyard cafe. Some find it a bit pricey, but it's a nice break.
🚶♀️ Interesting Routing
The museum's layout is unique and engaging, making the exploration itself an experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Teylers Museum is lauded as the oldest museum in the Netherlands, offering a unique blend of art, natural history, and science in a charming, historic setting. Visitors appreciate its manageable size, engaging exhibits like the Oval Room and fossil collection, and the overall 'time capsule' atmosphere. However, some find the natural light can cause glare on exhibits, and certain items are placed high, making them difficult to see.
"This is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. It’s small, but that’s exactly what makes the experience different from most other museums. The routing through the space is really interesting, I spent around 1.5 hrs exploring.
The oval atrium and the hidden garden felt like a surprising little pause along the way. Loved that part!"
Luna Huang
"I visited on my day off from work on a Friday. I am so glad I went all the way to Haarlem just to see this very special place. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and got so many beautiful pictures. What is even better is that I got to see the property for free thanks to my Museumkaart!
Originally the residence of illustrious Dutch businessman and idealist Pieter Teyler (1702-1776), the property is now a museum open to the public and also the oldest museum in the Netherlands. The rooms are beautiful and maintained well. There were no large crowds unlike the always busy museums in Amsterdam (Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House) so I got to see every single room at my own leisurely pace, seeing every piece that piqued my interest up close.
After your visit you exit the museum through the museum shop, which has a good selection of gifts and souvenirs.
The staff are courteous welcoming and friendly. I was admitted entry right away upon presenting my digital ticket and digital Museumkaart. You are also given an audio guide which you can use with certain installations in the museum to learn more about their origin and history.
The voucher for a free coffee in the museum cafe is a nice touch. I drank mine in the serene house garden which the cafe opens to. All in all, a day very well spent! 😊"
Mahnoor Khan
"Teylers Museum is a nice museum of arts, science and natural history. It's worth coming in and get knowledge. Culture is always welcome. ;)"
Clayton Zanella
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Teylers Museum is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam Centraal Station. The journey to Haarlem takes approximately 15-25 minutes. From Haarlem station, it's a short walk or a quick bus ride to the museum.
While the museum is historic, efforts have been made to improve accessibility. However, some older sections might present challenges. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
Teylers Museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, with hours usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times and any special holiday hours.
Parking in Haarlem city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park at a designated parking garage like 'De Kamp' or 'Appelaar' and walk to the museum.
Yes, Teylers Museum offers a unique experience for children with its fascinating fossils, scientific instruments, and the intriguing oval room. Some tours are specifically designed for younger visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but typically an adult ticket is around €15-€20. Children and students may have reduced rates. The Museumkaart grants free entry.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and potentially save time.
Yes, Teylers Museum is a participating institution in the Museumkaart, meaning holders can visit for free.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. Check the museum's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for current offers. The Museumkaart is the most significant discount.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring Teylers Museum. The size is manageable, but the exhibits are rich and engaging.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of Teylers Museum, but without flash. However, for special exhibitions, photography might be restricted. Always look for signage.
The Oval Room is a highly photogenic spot, as is the historic Pieter Teyler House. The natural light in these areas creates beautiful shots.
Flash photography is typically not permitted to protect the exhibits. Tripods and selfie sticks may also be restricted. Check the museum's policy upon arrival.
A camera with good low-light performance or a wide-angle lens can be beneficial, especially in the older sections. However, a smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing memories.
Similar to photography, filming for personal use is often permitted without flash. Commercial filming requires prior permission from the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Teylers Museum has a cafe located in its charming backyard. It's a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy a coffee or a light snack.
The cafe typically offers coffee, tea, pastries, and light refreshments. Some visitors have noted that the cafe can be a bit pricey.
Haarlem city center, just a short walk from the museum, offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.
Generally, it's best to consume your own food and drinks outside the museum or in designated areas, if available. The cafe is the intended place for refreshments.
The cafe is more suited for coffee and snacks rather than a full lunch. For a substantial meal, exploring the dining options in Haarlem's city center is recommended.
🎫 💡 Onsite Experience
It's the oldest museum in the Netherlands, founded in 1778, and uniquely blends art, natural history, and science. Its historic buildings and the iconic Oval Room create a special atmosphere. +2
Don't miss the stunning Oval Room, the extensive fossil collection, the early scientific instruments, and the original house of Pieter Teyler.
It can get busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Visiting on a weekday morning is the best way to avoid larger crowds.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended. The guides are knowledgeable and can provide deeper insights into the collections.
The museum features a tranquil hidden garden, offering a peaceful retreat and a lovely spot to pause during your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Oval Room, which is visually stunning and often has interactive elements or demonstrations. The museum's layout is also quite interesting, making the exploration itself an adventure. Consider checking for any specific family-friendly tours or activities that might be available during your visit.
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
+1The historic buildings themselves, including the original house of Pieter Teyler, provide a tangible connection to the past. The museum's status as the oldest museum in the Netherlands adds a significant layer of historical importance to any visit.
+2🔬 Science & Curiosity Seekers
The natural history exhibits, particularly the fossils, are extensive and well-presented. The sound parabola is a fun, interactive demonstration of physics that visitors of all ages can enjoy.
It’s a place where you can truly feel the spirit of scientific inquiry. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Teylers Museum
+2The museum's collection spans a remarkable range, from fine art and prints to natural history specimens and early scientific instruments. This unique blend is a direct reflection of its founder's broad interests. Over the centuries, the museum has expanded, incorporating adjacent historic buildings and continuously enriching its collections, all while preserving its original character. It remains a testament to the enduring power of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Visitors often describe the experience as stepping into a 'time capsule',
+1 where the historical ambiance is palpable. The careful curation and the preservation of original display methods contribute to this immersive feeling. It’s not just a collection of objects; it’s a journey through the history of human understanding and creativity. Exploring the Collections: Art, Fossils, and Scientific Marvels
+1The natural history wing is a highlight for many, featuring an impressive array of fossils, from ancient marine life to the bones of prehistoric mammals. The sheer scale and preservation of these specimens are awe-inspiring. Complementing this is the collection of scientific instruments, particularly those related to the early study of electricity. These intricate devices offer a fascinating glimpse into the dawn of scientific exploration and experimentation.
A unique feature is the sound parabola in one of the halls, where a visitor can stand at a specific point and clearly hear a whisper from across the room – a clever demonstration of acoustic principles.
The museum also often hosts temporary exhibitions, so checking their schedule before your visit is worthwhile. The Iconic Oval Room: A Hub of Wonder
Within the Oval Room, you'll find an array of early scientific apparatus, including telescopes, microscopes, and devices used to study electricity. These objects are not just historical artifacts; they represent pivotal moments in scientific discovery. The room also houses impressive fossil displays, showcasing the museum's commitment to natural history. The combination of scientific artifacts and natural wonders within this beautiful architectural space is truly captivating.
Many visitors cite the Oval Room as a favorite part of their visit, appreciating its aesthetic beauty and the intellectual stimulation it provides. It’s a space that perfectly encapsulates the museum's mission to connect art, science, and history in an engaging and accessible way.
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