National Museum of Antiquities Leiden
Explore ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and more at the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. Home to the stunning Temple of Taffeh!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
National Museum of Antiquities Leiden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and more at the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. Home to the stunning Temple of Taffeh!
"Absolutely beautiful and interesting museum!! A lot of great pieces from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome."
🗣️ English Info Limited
Most exhibit descriptions are in Dutch. Use your phone for translations or check for an audio guide.
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! You'll want 3-4 hours to see the highlights, especially the Egyptian section.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Temple of Taffeh
Entrance Hall
A magnificent ancient Egyptian temple, relocated and reconstructed within the museum. A truly awe-inspiring sight!
Egyptian Collection
Ancient Egypt Wing
Discover mummies, sarcophagi, and artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history.
Roman Glass Bowl
Roman Collection
A remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old blue glass bowl, a rare find from a Roman dig.
Bronze Age Gold Cape
Prehistoric Collection
An exquisite gold shoulder cape from around 1900 B.C., crafted from a single ingot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Enough Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ English Info Limited
Most exhibit descriptions are in Dutch. Use your phone for translations or check for an audio guide.
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! You'll want 3-4 hours to see the highlights, especially the Egyptian section.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Great interactive exhibits and activities make it a hit with kids and families.
💳 Student Free Entry
Students often get free entry with a student ID. Ask at the ticket counter!
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ English Info Limited
Most exhibit descriptions are in Dutch. Use your phone for translations or check for an audio guide.
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! You'll want 3-4 hours to see the highlights, especially the Egyptian section.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Great interactive exhibits and activities make it a hit with kids and families.
💳 Student Free Entry
Students often get free entry with a student ID. Ask at the ticket counter!
🏛️ Combine with other sites
Leiden has other great museums and attractions like Hortus Botanicus.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden for its impressive collections, particularly the Egyptian artifacts and the relocated Temple of Taffeh. It's highly recommended for families due to its engaging displays. However, the limited English information on exhibit labels is a common point of feedback, requiring visitors to rely on audio guides or translation apps.
"There are great collections of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Persian, Cypriot, and other civilizations.
The English audio guide is informative for some specific objects, but there is no information in English for most of the objects. The data is only available in Dutch.
I spent about 3-4 hours in the museum and skipped a chunk of it due to a lack of time."
SM
"This is easily one of the best museums in the Netherlands for children, adults, and families alike. The space is wonderfully designed to engage visitors of all ages — from interactive activities for kids to exhibits that even adults will find captivating. The family-friendly atmosphere is clear from the moment you walk in, with thoughtful entertainment options, hands-on elements, and a welcoming layout that makes exploring a pleasure.
That said, there’s still potential to make the experience even better. The use of technology varies noticeably from floor to floor; for example, the Ancient Egypt section could benefit from more advanced AI-driven explanations. Some of the information devices placed at the entrance to exhibits were unfortunately out of order during my visit.
Another detail worth mentioning: student tickets are free, but there was no verification process at the ticket counter — it felt like a missed opportunity to make this policy more transparent. Also, the majority of exhibit explanations were in Dutch, which meant non-Dutch speakers had to rely heavily on their phones for translations.
Despite these small drawbacks, I had a fantastic time here. The blend of education, entertainment, and atmosphere makes it a place worth revisiting. I look forward to coming back in the future and seeing even more cutting-edge technology incorporated into the exhibits."
Shirin S.
"A great variety of items from Egypt, ancient Rome and Greece. Informative for English speakers/readers although clearly more information is available is you speak Dutch. It was a comfortable environment, not too busy and overall a great experience with some unique items and a great local view on antiquities and how continuing excavations are taking place in the Netherlands."
Callum Hingston
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Leiden. You can easily reach it by public transport. Leiden Centraal station is a short walk or bus ride away. Many visitors arrive via public transport from other cities.
Parking in Leiden can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or park at a P+R (Park and Ride) facility outside the city center and take a bus or train in.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from Leiden Centraal station to the National Museum of Antiquities. The route is well-signposted.
Trains are a very convenient way to reach Leiden from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam or The Hague. The museum is then easily accessible from the train station.
Leiden is a bike-friendly city. There are usually bike racks available near major attractions, including the museum, but it's always wise to secure your bike properly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but generally, adult admission is around €15-€18. Students often get free entry with a valid student ID, though verification can vary.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the museum's ticket counter. However, booking online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions or during busy periods, to guarantee entry and save time.
Discounts are often available for students, children, and seniors. The museum also participates in various museum passes like the Museumkaart, which offers free entry.
The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential closures.
The museum generally strives to be accessible. Most areas are reachable, and there are facilities for visitors with mobility issues. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Temple of Taffeh in the entrance hall is a highlight. The extensive Egyptian collection, including mummies and sarcophagi, is a major draw. Don't miss the Roman glass bowl and Bronze Age gold cape. +2
Yes, an English audio guide is available for some specific objects, offering more in-depth information. However, most exhibit labels are in Dutch.
Absolutely! It's considered one of the best museums in the Netherlands for children and families, with interactive elements and engaging displays.
Most visitors spend around 3-4 hours to see the main collections. Some may need more time if they delve deeply into each exhibit or if there's a special exhibition.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but without flash. Always check for specific signage regarding photography restrictions in certain areas or for particular artifacts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum typically has a cafe or restaurant where you can get refreshments and light snacks. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit.
It's generally not permitted to consume your own food and drinks inside the exhibition halls. There might be designated areas for picnics or a cafe where you can purchase items.
Leiden offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries within walking distance of the museum. You can find everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to international options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted, but please refrain from using flash, as it can damage delicate artifacts.
While not common, some temporary exhibitions might have specific restrictions. Always look for signage indicating 'no photography' zones.
The Temple of Taffeh is a stunning backdrop. The well-lit display cases of the Egyptian and Roman collections also offer great photo opportunities.
Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not allowed inside museums to prevent obstruction and potential damage. It's best to check the museum's specific policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧👦 Families with Kids
Look out for specific exhibits or areas designed with younger visitors in mind. The Egyptian collection, with its mummies and sarcophagi, is often a particular hit. While most labels are in Dutch, the visual appeal of the artifacts and the interactive displays can keep children captivated. Consider checking for any special family programs or workshops offered during your visit.
📚 History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Beyond the classical world, the museum also showcases significant archaeological finds from the Netherlands itself, providing a local perspective on ancient history. The Roman glass bowl and Bronze Age gold cape are prime examples of unique and well-preserved artifacts that appeal to enthusiasts.
+1 The museum's commitment to showcasing ongoing excavations and discoveries further enhances its appeal to serious history lovers. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
You can easily spend 3-4 hours here, immersing yourself in ancient history without feeling rushed. Solo travelers can take their time to absorb the details of each exhibit, perhaps using an audio guide or translation app to supplement the Dutch labels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Ancient Egypt
Beyond the famous mummies, the collection includes statues of pharaohs and deities, hieroglyphic inscriptions, and funerary objects. The museum does an excellent job of contextualizing these items, explaining their purpose and significance within Egyptian beliefs and society. While the primary labels are in Dutch, the visual impact of these ancient treasures is universally understood.
For those interested in a deeper dive, the museum often hosts special exhibitions focusing on specific aspects of Egyptian history or recent archaeological discoveries. These can provide a more focused and in-depth experience, further enriching your understanding of this fascinating civilization.
The Temple of Taffeh: A Monumental Relocation
The temple was meticulously dismantled, transported, and reconstructed within the museum's entrance hall. Standing before this monumental structure, visitors can appreciate the scale and architectural style of ancient Egyptian religious buildings. It serves as a powerful symbol of international cooperation and the preservation of cultural heritage.
The Temple of Taffeh is not just an architectural marvel but also a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt. Its presence in Leiden offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Egyptian history in a European setting, providing a dramatic and memorable introduction to the museum's vast collections.
Navigating the Museum with Limited English Information
To enhance the experience, the museum offers an English audio guide for certain key objects, which provides valuable context and detailed information. However, this doesn't cover every artifact. Visitors are advised to download translation apps or prepare for a more visual and intuitive exploration of the exhibits.
Despite this linguistic challenge, many visitors still find the museum incredibly rewarding. The sheer beauty and historical significance of the artifacts, combined with the museum's engaging layout, often transcend language barriers. The Leiden antiquities museum remains a top destination for history enthusiasts.
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