Louwman Museum
Zuid-Holland
The Louwman Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, is a premier museum dedicated to historic automobiles, motorcycles, and coaches. Established originally in 1934 by Pieter Louwman, the collection has grown to include around 275 vehicles, making it home to the largest collection of cars from 1910 or earlier worldwide. The museum features rare Dutch brands like Spyker and Eysink, alongside iconic vehicles such as Winston Churchill's car and Elvis Presley's Cadillac. Housed in a building designed by acclaimed American architect Michael Graves, the museum blends New Classical architecture with a thoughtfully landscaped park by Louis Baljon. The collection spans the entire history of the automobile, from the earliest De Dion-Bouton et Trépardoux (1887) to post-war classics, emphasizing unique models, pioneering designs, and one-of-a-kind vehicles. Visitors can also enjoy an extensive display of automotive art, including works by Frederick Gordon Crosby. The museum offers a comprehensive journey through 150 years of automotive innovation, design, and culture within an architecturally significant venue.
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Astuce: Visit during weekdays or outside public holidays to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the exhibits. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially during special exhibitions or weekends. The museum accepts the Dutch Museumkaart, offering visitors discounts and convenient access. Underground parking is available, and the museum is accessible via public transport. Check the official website for current opening hours and special events.
Faits intéressants
- •The museum holds the world's largest collection of cars from 1910 or older.
- •It features one of the oldest surviving automobiles, a De Dion-Bouton et Trépardoux from 1887.
- •The museum displays the only remaining Eysink car and a large number of classic Dutch Spyker cars.
- •Among its collection are Winston Churchill's car and Elvis Presley's Cadillac.
- •The entrance gate features lions from the former Wassenaar Zoo, once owned by the Louwman family.
- •The museum building was designed by Michael Graves, a Driehaus Prize-winning New Classical American architect.
Histoire
The Louwman Museum's origins date back to 1934 when Pieter Louwman purchased his first collectible car, a 20-year-old Dodge.
The collection expanded significantly in 1969 with the acquisition of Geerlig Riemer's collection, founder of the Institute for Automotive and Management.
Initially opened as the National Automobile Museum in Leidschendam, it moved to Raamsdonksveer in 1981 and was renamed Louwman Collection in 2003.
The current museum building in The Hague opened in 2010, inaugurated by Queen Beatrix, and was specifically designed as a museum by architect Michael Graves.
The museum integrates historical Dutch automotive heritage with modern exhibition design and landscaping.
Guide du lieu
Main Exhibition Hall2010
A vast 90-meter-long and 15-meter-high hall with a wooden vaulted ceiling showcasing the core collection of historic automobiles, including veteran and vintage cars.
Dutch Automotive Heritage Section
Dedicated area displaying rare Dutch car brands such as Spyker and Eysink, highlighting the Netherlands' contributions to automotive history.
Automotive Art Gallery
Exhibition space featuring a vast collection of paintings, drawings, posters, sculptures, and trophies related to automobiles, including works by Frederick Gordon Crosby.
Contact
Téléphone: 070 304 7373
