Art & culture

 

Utrecht is sometimes called Holland’s cultural treasure trove. You can easily see why in the unique Utrecht Museum Quarter. The museums in this quarter boast stunningly beautiful items. And the city offers more! You can also enjoy a great range of festivals, events, theatres and music venues.

Museums

Utrecht has some great and unique museums. Their collections range from old and new coins to old-fashioned candy, from Aboriginal art to beautiful trains, from religious objects to live-sized musical boxes. The museums in this city are as versatile as Utrecht itself!

Cultural treatsures of the Utrecht Museum quarter

Enjoy almost 2,000 years of history going back to 47 AD when the Romans built a “castellum” (now hidden under the Dom Square) for their defence. Savour ancient monuments and churches in all their architectural beauty, such as the Domtoren (Dom tower) and the Paushuis or Papal residence of Adrian VI, the Pope of Utrecht (and the only Dutch Pope ever), canals and wharves, manor houses and courtyards, numerous trendy boutiques, galleries, museums and friendly cafés and restaurants everywhere you turn.

Tip: Scooter, cycling or GPS exploratory excursion that takes in the city’s nicest spots!

Tip: Free Saturday afternoon concerts in the Dom church

Climbing the Dom

Climb the 465 steps of the famous Dom tower - at 112 metres the highest church tower in the Netherlands - and enjoy the magnificent views! (Guided tours; advance reservations preferred.)

Meet cartoon bunny Miffy

Meet the world famous Miffy in the dick bruna huis and enjoy the great exhibitions in the museums in Utrecht’s Museum Quarter. See the largest collection of Rietveld design, the history of trains in the theatre, live entertainment with nostalgic music boxes and barrel organs, the history of science, religious relics, vividly coloured Aboriginal art, and much more!

Netherlands Railway Museum

The Netherlands Railway Museum is housed in an old railway station and explaines the history of the Dutch railways. This museum is great fun for the whole family. Come and throw some switches or get on board the Jumbo Express.

Galleries

Utrecht is known for its many galleries presenting contemporary and trendy art. These include not just the works of Utrecht artists, but also paintings, sculptures and photographs by national and international masters. Many galleries and antique dealers offer art for sale. If you are an art lover we recommend the gallery route through the Utrecht Museum Quarter. It takes you past many of the galleries. 

Music venues

Are you interested in classical operas or concerts by your favourite bands? Utrecht is the perfect place for you! This city offers a wide range of music styles. The city boasts large and small concert halls where artists from both Holland and from other cultures perform.

Theatre lovers

Do you like going to the theatre? The varied range of large and small theatres in Utrecht will surprise you. Leading theatre groups present plays, opera, dance, musicals and cabaret shows.

Almshouses

Utrecht has a host of beautiful, hidden almshouses. These are complexes of tiny dwellings that were built in the days of yore for the poor and the old of the city. Rich burghers with a social conscience funded the complexes. Take a trip back in time.

Rietveld Schröderhuis

Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld designed this world famous monument of 20th-century architecture in 1924. In 2000 Unesco added it to its World Heritage List. It is an outstanding example of De Stijl architectural trend.