National Museum of Ethnology

Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde in Leiden allows visitors to discover cultures from all around the world. The museum was founded in 1837, which makes it one of the world’s oldest ethnological museums. Its collection embraces over 250,000 objects and takes you on a journey to different continents and cultures. From ice bear fur trousers and American Indian headdresses to magical weapons from Indonesia and Maori canoes.

Discover a treasure trove of world cultures in one of the world’s oldest ethnological museums.
Highlights include the Blomhoff, Fischer and Siebold collections which present 19th century Japanese objects, household goods, prints and artefacts - the time when Japan was still closed off from the world.
Learn more about the world’s different cultures and people at the museum’s temporary exhibitions.

Workshop Maori, Museum Volkenkunde

Tours and treasure hunts

The museum is completely packed with artistic treasures so there is a chance that you might feel overwhelmed. That is why you can take a tour, which are organised for groups of up to 15 persons. The children can participate in a wonderful treasure hunt and the musem also organises music and dance workshops. Please make your reservations in advance if you want to explore the museum with the aid of a guide or workshop.

Ethnological exhibitions

In addition to its permanent collection, Rijksmuseum Volkenkunde also presents temporary exhibitions on a regular basis. These might devote more attention to Maya culture or put you face to face with the Terracotta Warriors from China. The museum always has plenty of surprises to offer so there is always reason for a visit.

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Museums

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