Drents Museum
Drenthe
The Drents Museum, located in Assen, Drenthe, is a renowned art and history museum established in 1854. It houses an extensive collection of prehistoric artifacts from the Drenthe province, including notable bog bodies such as the Yde Girl and the oldest recovered canoe in the world, the Pesse canoe dating back to 8200–7600 BC. The museum also features figurative art with an emphasis on northern European Realism and Dutch abstract figurative artists like Matthijs Röling. Visitors can explore period rooms illustrating the lifestyles of affluent Drenthe families and enjoy ceramics from the House of Orange. The museum blends historic buildings, including a former monastery complex, with a modern underground extension designed by Erick van Egeraat, opened in 2011. It is also known for its innovative oxygen-poor storage facility preserving around 90,000 objects and artworks. Temporary exhibitions and activities enrich the visitor experience, making it a cultural highlight of the region. In 2025, the museum gained international attention due to a high-profile heist involving valuable gold artifacts, some of which were later recovered.
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Tip: Visit the Drents Museum during spring to autumn for optimal weather and full access to the museum garden and outdoor sculptures. It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during popular temporary exhibitions. The museum offers discounts for seniors, students, and groups, and is accessible for visitors with disabilities. Check the official website for current exhibitions and opening hours before your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The museum houses the Pesse canoe, the oldest recovered canoe in the world dating from 8200 to 7600 BC.
- •It contains famous bog bodies including the Yde Girl and the Weerdinge Men discovered in the Drenthe region.
- •In 2025, the museum was the site of a high-profile heist where thieves stole the 5th-century BCE Helmet of Coțofenești and three Dacian bracelets.
- •The museum's modern underground extension was designed by architect Erick van Egeraat and opened in 2011.
- •It features a unique oxygen-poor storage facility, the first of its kind in the Netherlands, to better preserve its collection.
History
Founded on 28 November 1854 as the Provincial Museum of Drents Antiquities, the Drents Museum began with a single display cabinet in the provincial government building.
In the early 20th century, it moved to the Rijksarchief building, and later to the provincial house in 1974.
Over the years, the museum expanded by incorporating historic buildings such as the Drostenhuis and the Abbey Church.
In 1996, it adopted the current name and became an independent foundation.
A major underground expansion designed by Erick van Egeraat was completed and opened in 2011, revitalizing the museum’s facilities.
In 2025, the museum made headlines due to a theft of gold artifacts from a temporary exhibition, with partial recovery announced in 2026.
Place Guide
Historic Monastery Complex and Drostenhuis1854 onwards
Explore the original historic buildings of the museum, including the former monastery Maria in Campis and the Drostenhuis carriage house, connected by an underground tunnel to the modern wing. These spaces showcase the museum’s architectural evolution and house period rooms reflecting Drenthe family life.
Underground Modern Extension2011
Designed by Erick van Egeraat and opened in 2011, this underground wing offers expansive exhibition spaces beneath a museum garden. It hosts temporary exhibitions and modern facilities, blending contemporary architecture with the historic setting.
Prehistoric Collection Exhibits
Discover artifacts from the Drenthe province’s prehistory, including bog bodies like the Yde Girl and the Emmer-Erscheidenveen Man, as well as finds from the Funnelbeaker culture. The Pesse canoe, the world’s oldest recovered canoe, is a highlight.
Figurative Art Collection1885–1935
The museum holds an important collection of northern European Realism and Dutch abstract figurative art, featuring artists such as Matthijs Röling. It also includes applied art and paintings from 1885 to 1935 by artists like Vincent van Gogh, Jan Toorop, and Jan Sluijters.
Period Rooms in the Ontvangershuis
Step into period rooms that depict the lifestyle of affluent Drenthe families from various eras. These rooms include authentic furnishings and ceramics, including pieces from the House of Orange, providing cultural and historical context.
Contact
Phone: 0592 377 773
