Urban Museum Zutphen

The Urban Museum Zutphen is a cultural historical museum that collects the history of Zutphen and the County (the current Achterhoek) and depicts it in an original way. Discover ‘The Story of Zutphen’, one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands, based on remarkable objects from museum, archaeological and archive collections.

Descend to the arched medieval cellar and step into the turbulent history of the location that developed into the town of Zutphen. One of the crucial events during this development was the attack by Vikings in 882, that is being shown as a crime scene. During a walk through time, highs and lows alternate. For instance the Hanze era, when Zutphen was given its nickname 'The Richest', and the violent Eighty Years' War. The splendour of the aristocracy of Gelre/Gelderland is shown, including the famous 'Zutphen Silver’, but also the devastation of the Second World War. The objects that are among the oldest in the Netherlands, are quite striking, such as the ‘oldest watch’ (the Zutphen quadrant from the year 1300), the ‘oldest cartoon’ (the Moon and wailing letter from 1493) and the ‘oldest photo’ from 1839.

In addition to the permanent collection, the Urban Museum Zutphen also deals with historical and current subjects, old masters and (local) talent in inspiring changing exhibitions. For the present range of exhibitions, go to www.museumszutphen.nl

There are free of charge scavenger hunts for children as well as an exciting family game. During the summer months a lot of great activities are organised for children, families and adults. Check our website regularly.

The Urban Museum Zutphen is part of the Museums in Zutphen | Urban Museum Zutphen & Museum Henriette Polak. This is where history, cultural history, visual art and current events are combined in a surprising fashion.