Museum Joure
Fryslân
Museum Joure is a distinctive museum located in the town of Joure in the Dutch province of Friesland. It is renowned as a 'museum of making,' presenting four main collection clusters: Douwe Egberts coffee and tea heritage, Frisian clocks, printing, and metalwork. The museum complex comprises ten buildings, seven of which are national monuments, including former industrial sites and historic houses. Visitors can explore the history of the iconic Douwe Egberts company through exhibitions in the Johannes Hesselpakhuis warehouse and the original shop De Witte Os, which still sells fresh coffee, loose tea, and traditional sweets. The museum also features an authentic coppersmith workshop, a clockmaker's workshop with a collection of Frisian clocks, and a printing workshop where volunteer printers operate on Thursdays. The museum café, housed in the beautifully furnished salon of a Douwe Egberts descendant, offers visitors a place to relax and enjoy local flavors. Museum Joure offers an immersive experience into the craftsmanship and industrial heritage of the region, blending history with interactive exhibits and cultural activities.
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Tip: Visit Museum Joure during weekdays or outside peak hours for a more relaxed experience. Tickets can be purchased online with discounts available, and admission includes a complimentary cup of Douwe Egberts coffee, Pickwick tea, or lemonade. The museum is nearly always open, including the café and museum shop. Parking is free adjacent to the museum. Group visits and children's activities are available, and it's advisable to check the museum's website for current exhibitions and events before visiting.
Interesting facts
- •Museum Joure's complex includes seven national monuments, reflecting its rich industrial heritage.
- •The museum houses the original Douwe Egberts store 'De Witte Os,' which still sells freshly roasted coffee and traditional sweets.
- •The birthplace of Egbert Douwes, founder of Douwe Egberts, was relocated to the museum's garden in the 1980s.
- •Volunteer printers operate authentic printing presses in the museum's historic printing workshop every Thursday.
- •The museum café is located in the former salon of a Douwe Egberts descendant, adding historical ambiance to visitors' experience.
History
The origins of Museum Joure trace back to 1976 with the establishment of the Johannes Hesselhuis foundation, initially housed in the former Douwe Egberts warehouse.
Over time, the museum expanded by incorporating several historic buildings, many of which are national monuments.
The museum complex now includes the relocated birthplace of Egbert Douwes, founder of Douwe Egberts, and buildings associated with the Keverling metalware company.
The museum has evolved from a single site into a multifaceted institution preserving the industrial and cultural heritage of Joure and Friesland.
Place Guide
Johannes Hesselpakhuis19th century
A large historic warehouse that hosts exhibitions on the history of coffee, tea, and the Douwe Egberts company, showcasing vintage packaging and company artifacts.
De Witte Os Shop19th century
The original Douwe Egberts shop where visitors can buy freshly roasted coffee, loose tea, and traditional sweets, maintaining the authentic atmosphere of the historic store.
Egbert Douwes Birthplace18th century
The relocated historic house of Egbert Douwes, founder of Douwe Egberts, now situated in the museum garden, illustrating the personal history behind the brand.
Coppersmith Workshop19th century
An authentic workshop demonstrating traditional copper casting and metalworking techniques, reflecting the local industrial craft heritage.
Frisian Clockmaker's WorkshopVarious
A collection and working workshop of Frisian clocks, displaying intricate clockmaking craftsmanship and historical timepieces on loan from the Cultural Heritage Agency.
Printing Workshop19th to 20th century
A historic printing press workshop where volunteer printers operate traditional presses, showcasing the printing craft and its role in local industry.
Museum Café De TúnkeamerEarly 20th century
The museum café located in the beautifully decorated salon of C.J. de Jong, a Douwe Egberts descendant and former company director, offering local coffee and tea specialties.
Contact
Phone: 0513 412 283
