The rich gentleman Pieter Teyler van der Hulst died in 1778. Unfortunately, he did not have any children who could inherit all his money. But he had a great idea. He decided that his money had to be used for the arts and sciences. That is how the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in Holland, came about.

Coin cabinet

There is so much to see. For instance, there are drawings by Rembrandt van Rijn, one Holland's most famous artists, and drawings by Michelangelo. There is an extensive collection of fossils and other ancient stones. In the Coin Cabinet you will see coins and medals of many years ago; some coins are more than a thousand years old.

Electrostatic generator

Teylers Museum is also known for the inventions it displays, such as 'Auntie Cor', the first speaking clock. But the most important is perhaps the huge electrostatic generator dating back to 1784 with which electricity could be generated. In the old days there were people who had themselves connected to this machine because they believed it was good for their health. Do ask the staff of the museum whether that was really so.

More information about the Teylers Museum:

Website: www.teylersmuseum.nl