Philips Museum
Noord-Brabant
The Philips Museum, located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is dedicated to showcasing the rich history of the Philips company, one of the world's leading electronics and health technology corporations. Housed in the original 1891 Philips lightbulb factory, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience into the early manufacturing processes of carbon-filament lamps and the evolution of lighting technology. Exhibits include the development of various lamp types such as incandescent, fluorescent, sodium vapor, energy-saving, and LED lamps. The museum also highlights Philips’ expansion into consumer electronics like radios, televisions, shavers, and kitchen appliances, as well as its pioneering medical devices including X-ray, CT, and MRI scanners. Visitors can explore the company's design heritage through displays of iconic branding and product designs by Louis Kalff and successors. The museum also honors notable figures such as Jan Zwartendijk, who helped thousands of Jews escape during World War II. Opened to the public in 1997 and modernized over time, the Philips Museum combines historical artifacts with interactive exhibits, celebrating over a century of innovation and the company’s impact on technology and society.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit the museum on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Booking tickets in advance online is recommended, especially during special exhibitions or school holidays. The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair access and facilities. Take advantage of guided tours if available to gain deeper insights into the exhibits. Combine your visit with a walk around Eindhoven’s city center to explore more of its industrial heritage. Check the official website for up-to-date information on opening hours and any temporary closures.
Interesting facts
- •The Philips Museum is located in the very first Philips lightbulb factory built in 1891.
- •Philips invented both the cassette tape and the compact disc, innovations highlighted in the museum.
- •The museum features a detailed reconstruction of the original carbon-filament lamp production process from 1891.
- •Jan Zwartendijk, a Philips executive, helped thousands of Jews escape during World War II; his story is part of the museum's exhibits.
- •The museum building is listed as a monument in Eindhoven due to its historical significance.
- •Philips started its radio broadcasting in 1927 with station PCJJ, which is part of the company's rich multimedia history.
- •The museum showcases designs by Louis Kalff, who created Philips’ logo and corporate identity in the early 20th century.
History
Founded in 1891 by Gerard and Frederik Philips, the company began producing carbon-filament light bulbs in a factory in Eindhoven, which is now the museum’s location.
The business expanded rapidly after Gerard's brother Anton joined in 1895, contributing engineering and sales expertise.
Throughout the early 20th century, Philips diversified into vacuum tubes and consumer electronics, becoming a multinational conglomerate.
The original factory was repurposed over the decades, serving as a light demonstration center in 1951 and later as an archive and exhibition space.
The museum officially opened to the public in 1997, with a major renovation culminating in the current museum opening in 2013, inaugurated by Queen Beatrix.
It preserves the legacy of Philips’ technological innovations and its role in Eindhoven’s industrial development.
Place Guide
Original 1891 Factory Floor1891
A faithful reconstruction of the carbon-filament lamp production line as it operated in 1891, showing each step from raw materials to finished bulbs.
Lamp Factory of the 1920s1920s
An exhibit space designed to resemble the lamp factory environment from the 1920s, illustrating the evolution of manufacturing technology and machinery.
Design Collection
Displays of Philips’ iconic product designs and branding, including works by Louis Kalff and his successors, illustrating the company’s aesthetic evolution.
Medical Technology Exhibit20th century onwards
Showcases Philips' pioneering medical devices such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, and MRI technology, reflecting the company’s shift to health technology.
Consumer Electronics Gallery20th century
Features Philips’ range of radios, televisions, shavers, and kitchen appliances, illustrating its role in everyday life throughout the 20th century.
Contact
Phone: 040 235 9030
