Museums Emmen: The 8 Most Remarkable Museums at a Glance
Going to a museum in Emmen? These museums surprise, inspire, and bring you closer to life in Southeast Drenthe. From stories about peat labor to Tibetan art. Many museums around Emmen are located in historic buildings or in the middle of nature. This makes a museum visit easy to combine with a bike ride or a walk in nature.
Whether you want to learn more about Drenthe’s rich history or are interested in modern art: in and around Emmen you will find small, distinctive museums full of character. We have listed the most remarkable museums for you.
Discover the Most Beautiful Museums in Emmen
Old peat villages and new art installations: both can be found in Emmen’s museums! In this area, you will discover the culture and stories of Drenthe—both past and present. These special museums in Emmen are unique and not to be missed:
1. Van Gogh House Drenthe
Vincent van Gogh stayed in 1883 in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord. The location of his room is now the Van Gogh House Drenthe. In the museum, you can of course see this room. You will also learn more about Vincent’s daily life in Drenthe, his search for peace, and his interest in the simple life of the people living in the peat. In addition, you will find letters he wrote and copies of his paintings from that time.
2. Industrial Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum
In Erica, you will find the Industrial Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum, located in an area where peat used to be harvested extensively. In this museum, you will learn how people transported blocks of peat across the bogs using narrow-gauge railways. You can see old locomotives, wagons, and tools that were used daily.
The best part? You can take a ride in an original narrow-gauge train on an authentic track. Along the way, you learn how hard the work was and how important peat once was for this region. One of the most educational museums in Emmen for young and old.
3. Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art
In the Rensenpark in Emmen, you will find the Museum of Contemporary Tibetan Art, a unique museum in Drenthe! Here, you can see artworks, ritual objects, and paintings from Tibet, Bhutan, and Nepal. All art and historical objects are carefully displayed in a calm space where visitors naturally slow down.
In this museum, you will gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture. Ideal for those who want to discover something new in the center of Emmen.
4. Museum Janning
In Nieuw-Schoonebeek, you can visit Museum Janning. Here, a large collection of religious art tells the story of faith and traditions from the past. Think of colorful statues, handwritten books, and relics. The collection was put together by Pastor Janning. In keeping with the theme, the museum is located in a parsonage—the former house of the pastor, right next to the church.
The rooms are cozy and give you the feeling of stepping back in time. The museum is a calm place and highly recommended for those who enjoy heritage with a personal story.
5. Museum Collectie Brands
Museum Collectie Brands originated from Jans Brands’ personal collection. What began as a passion for books grew into a collection full of household items, documents, and special finds. From old school supplies to rare books, everything tells a story and can be seen in Nieuw-Dordrecht.
You walk through Jans’ former home and experience his love for history. This museum is rightly called a treasure trove for anyone curious about everyday life in the past.
6. Museum Somewhere in the Netherlands
Museum Somewhere in the Netherlands, in Emmen, is a small but impressive museum about World War II. The uniforms, tools, and documents tell personal stories from the past. Sometimes moving, sometimes surprisingly relatable. A museum visit that touches and provokes thought, right in the city.
7. Nabershof
Experience rural life of the past at the Saxon farm Nabershof! Inside, the rooms are still exactly as they were. Among the original furniture, tools, and decorations, it feels as if the former inhabitants could walk in at any moment.
Nabershof is located in Emmen and is regularly the setting for exhibitions, local markets, and activities. A unique location, full of culture and great outdoor experiences.
8. Zandstrooiboerderij
In Schoonebeek, you will find Zwaantje Hans-Stokman’s Hof, a museum and sand-spreading farm. At this historic site, you learn about life on the sand and the tradition of sand spreading. Through old objects, photos, and local stories, you discover how people in this part of Drenthe lived and worked in the past.
Tours are conducted by enthusiastic volunteers who know the area well. This museum is an ideal stop during a bike ride around Emmen, especially if you are interested in local history.
Combine Museums, Nature, and Hospitality in Emmen
Visiting a museum in Emmen? There is always beautiful nature or cozy cafes nearby. You can easily combine a day of history or culture with a scenic walk or bike ride. Through greenery or at a terrace: the choice is yours!
Tip: With a bike route from Erica, via Nieuw-Amsterdam, to the center of Emmen, you pass several museums! Along the way, you can visit megalithic tombs, peat areas, local markets, and charming villages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Museums in Emmen
What are the best museums in Emmen for children?
A fun option is the Industrial Narrow-Gauge Railway Museum in Erica. Here, children can ride old narrow-gauge trains and discover how people transported peat in the past. The combination of technology, fresh air, and hands-on experience makes this museum both fun and educational.
Are the museums in Emmen easily accessible?
Absolutely! Most museums in and around Emmen are easily reachable by car, bike, or public transport. Many museums have parking nearby.
In the center of Emmen, several museums are within walking distance of each other, such as DIEP in the Rensenpark, Nabershof, and the Museum of Tibetan Art. If visiting a museum just outside Emmen, take a bike or car, for example to Erica, Nieuw-Dordrecht, or Nieuw-Amsterdam.
Want to combine multiple museums in one day? A bike route along Erica, Barger-Compascuum, and Emmen is a great way to connect culture and nature.
Can a museum visit be combined with another activity?
Absolutely. Many museums are located in areas where other activities are also available. For example, a visit to the Van Gogh House Drenthe can be easily combined with a lunch or a walk along the canal in Nieuw-Amsterdam/Veenoord.
