What is Museum Urk, het Oude Raadhuis about?

Museum Urk, het Oude Raadhuis is a local history museum housed in Urk’s former town hall (the Oude Raadhuis). The museum documents daily life, work and culture on Urk — historically a small fishing island in the Zuiderzee — and preserves material culture such as household objects, fishing gear, tools, photographs and artworks created by artists who visited Urk seeking authentic maritime life. Exhibits include a fully furnished historic fisherman’s house recreated to reflect early-20th century domestic life, and displays that explain Urk’s social, religious and economic traditions.

Who should visit this museum?

This museum is ideal for visitors who want an intimate, well-grounded view of Dutch maritime and village life. It suits family visits, school groups, cultural tourists, and anyone interested in regional anthropology, local craftsmanship, and fishing heritage. The living-history presentation — including volunteer interpreters in traditional dress during the summer season — also makes it accessible and engaging for children and for visitors who prefer narrative, object-based storytelling rather than large, academic displays.

Educational and cultural activities

The museum runs a number of family and education-focused activities: question-based activity bags for children, the Botterspel (a playful search task), and themed treasure-hunt trails that encourage hands-on discovery. Volunteers help bring exhibitions to life with demonstrations and oral histories, and the museum welcomes school visits with age-appropriate learning materials. Groups can arrange guided visits and tailored programmes by contacting the museum in advance.

Visitor information

Address: Wijk 2-2, 8321 EP Urk, Netherlands.

Temporary status (important): The museum announced a temporary closure for maintenance starting 1 December 2025; groups and special activities may still be accommodated on request. The museum planned to reopen for daily visits on 1 March 2026 — please confirm current status on the official site before travelling.

Typical opening hours (seasonal pattern):

• April – October: Monday–Friday 11:00–17:00; Saturday 11:00–16:00; Sunday closed.
• November – March: Monday–Saturday 11:00–16:00; Sunday closed.

(Note: the museum’s official site and local visitor pages list these seasonal hours; check the museum website for short-term changes or holiday closures.)

Admission (2025 rates listed by the museum):

• Children 0–5 years: free
• Children 6–12 years: €4.00
• Adults: €7.50
• 65+: €6.50
• Groups (25+): €5.50 per person
• Family ticket (2 adults + children <12): €18.00
• Museumkaart holders: free

Booking & groups: Tickets are normally available at the museum desk and reservation is not required for individual visits. For larger groups or organised school visits, contact the museum in advance to arrange guided tours or special programmes.

Accessibility & facilities: Public parking is available nearby. Information about wheelchair access and on-site café or free Wi-Fi is not clearly detailed on the official site; if accessibility is essential for a visit, please contact the museum in advance by phone or email.

Contact: Phone +31 (0)527 683 262 — email museum@urk.nl. Official website: museumopurk.nl.