National playing Card Museum
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National Playing Card Museum Turnhout

4.5
·628 reviews·Turnhout, Belgium

Discover the rich history of playing cards and printing at this unique museum, featuring antique presses and a working steam engine.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Special Demo Days

See old presses in action!

CrowdMedium
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National playing Card Museum

National Playing Card Museum Turnhout

Best Time

Special Demo Days

See old presses in action!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the rich history of playing cards and printing at this unique museum, featuring antique presses and a working steam engine.

4.5
(628 reviews)

"A little gem of a place. Really interesting to see all the different card printing presses."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Demo Day Schedules

Don't miss special days when antique printing presses are demonstrated! Check the museum's website for dates.

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is a bargain at only 5 EUR, offering great value for a unique experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 628 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Printing Presses

Historic Printing Presses

Main exhibition hall

Witness antique card printing presses, including a working steam engine, brought to life on special demo days.

Reddit+1
Diverse Playing Card Collections

Diverse Playing Card Collections

Exhibition galleries

Explore a vast array of playing card designs from different eras and cultures, showcasing intricate artistry.

Reddit
Belgian Animal Tarot Deck

Belgian Animal Tarot Deck

Special exhibits

See rare historical artifacts like an 18th-century Belgian Animal Tarot deck, a true relic of card history.

Reddit
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Plan Your Visit

Discover the fascinating history of playing cards at the National Playing Card Museum Turnhout. Check their website for special demo days when old printing presses come to life! Reddit

Accessibility & Amenities

The museum offers good wheelchair accessibility with a lift and has lockers for your belongings. Enjoy a coffee at the cozy on-site cafe. Reddit

Best Times

When
Special Demo Days
Why
See old presses in action!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you discovered the National Museum of Playing Cards in Turnhout yet? Read about it here: #playingcardmuseum #speelkaartenmuseum #turnhout https://expatadventures.org/playing-card-museum-shows-its-cards/
finditinflanders
0 likes • 49 views

🎯 Check Demo Day Schedules

Don't miss special days when antique printing presses are demonstrated! Check the museum's website for dates. Reddit+1

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is a bargain at only 5 EUR, offering great value for a unique experience. Reddit

Dries Leysen of the National Playing Card Museum in Turnhout never knows what his visitors will ask him. But it’s a safe bet it will be unexpected.⁠ ⁠ Episode 054 of the Belgian Smaak Podcast takes us to Turnhout, home of the world’s largest playing card manufacturer, Cartamundi, and home to a group of former homebrewers who now produce playing card branded beers at Brouwerij Het Nest.⁠ ⁠ Enjoy th...
belgiansmaak
7 likes • 453 views
reddit.com

A relic from the past: an 18th century Belgian Animal Tarot deck hidden in a book

This picture shows a historical relic from the collection of the National Playing Card Museum, Turnhout, Belgium. It is **a Belgian Animal Tarot deck from the 18th century, hidden in a devotional book**. Several animal tarot decks were circulating in Germany and Belgium…

🗣️ Engage with Staff

The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the collections. Reddit+2

🚗 Convenient Parking

Ample parking is available on-site, with an additional lot directly in front if needed. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Demo Day Schedules

Don't miss special days when antique printing presses are demonstrated! Check the museum's website for dates. Reddit+1

💰 Affordable Entry

Admission is a bargain at only 5 EUR, offering great value for a unique experience. Reddit

🗣️ Engage with Staff

The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the collections. Reddit+2

🚗 Convenient Parking

Ample parking is available on-site, with an additional lot directly in front if needed. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(628 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the National Playing Card Museum Turnhout as a 'little gem' offering a truly worthwhile and fascinating experience. The working printing presses and steam engine are highlights, complemented by friendly and knowledgeable staff. While explanations could be more widely available in other languages, the affordable entry and convenient amenities make it a highly recommended visit.

"A little gem of a place. Really interesting to see all the different card printing presses, also the old steam engine. Overall a truly worthwhile experience. The Saturday staff of 3 young ladies were incredibly helpful and engaging, there are also special two days in most months when the old printing presses are turned on and used. Great to see different playing card designs. And entrance only 5 EUR. Super"

Elīna Nesimioglu

"There is a convenient parking lot within the museum area, and we faced no issues finding a spot. If it happens to be full, an additional parking area is located right in front of the building. The staff, particularly the ladies, are welcoming and friendly. Lockers are available for your belongings, and there's a designated area to hang your extra clothes or coat. Wheelchair accessibility is good, complemented by a lift for those in need. The exhibition itself is captivating, showcasing fascinating history. However, it would enhance the experience if explanations were available in other languages such as French and English, catering to visitors not proficient in German. Post-visit, we headed to the café with automated machines for a coffee. The ambiance is cozy and inviting. Clean and well-maintained restrooms add to the positive experience. I highly recommend exploring this museum."

Hanna

"Awesome museum to learn about the history of Turnhout in relation with printing and playing cards. The employees are knowledgeable and very helpful. Tickets are 5€ per person and i have to admit, the information is awesome. Short videos in multiple languages, paper to read more and they also offer workshops (vie the website for dates). It's been very interesting and from Feb 2023 there will be a new exhibition... exciting! 😁"

Intan Distler

What People Like

Fascinating history
Working printing presses
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Limited language options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Turnhout, Belgium. While specific public transport details can vary, it's generally accessible by car. There is convenient parking available on-site, and an additional parking area is located right in front of the building if the main lot is full. Reddit

Yes, there is a convenient parking lot within the museum area. If it happens to be full, an additional parking area is located right in front of the building. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is very affordable, costing only 5 EUR per person, making it a great value for the experience. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't detailed in all sources, the general admission price of 5 EUR is considered very reasonable by visitors. It's always a good idea to check the museum's official website for any potential offers. Reddit

Advance booking is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement, but it's advisable to check the museum's official website, especially if you plan to visit on a special demo day or during peak times. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to consult the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information. Some reviews mention special demo days for the printing presses. Reddit+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore a vast collection of playing cards from different eras and cultures, witness antique printing presses (including a working steam engine on demo days), and learn about the history of card manufacturing in Turnhout. Short videos and informative papers are available. Reddit+2

Yes, the museum is great for families! Visitors have noted that experts provide plenty of takeaways for children, and the interactive elements like seeing the printing presses can be very engaging for younger audiences. Reddit

The museum offers good wheelchair accessibility and is complemented by a lift for those in need, ensuring a comfortable visit for all. Reddit

The museum offers workshops, and visitors have praised the knowledgeable staff who explain everything in detail. It's recommended to check the museum's website for workshop dates and availability. Reddit

While some explanations are available in multiple languages, including short videos, one reviewer noted that having explanations in French and English would enhance the experience for non-German speakers. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cozy on-site cafe with automated machines for coffee, providing a pleasant spot to relax after your visit. Reddit

Information about bringing outside food is not readily available. It's best to enjoy the offerings at the on-site cafe or plan to dine elsewhere in Turnhout. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. While many visitors share photos online, it's always a good practice to check for any signage or ask staff if photography is permitted in all areas, especially near delicate exhibits. TikTokInstagram

The working steam engine and the intricate designs on the playing cards themselves are highly photogenic. The historical printing presses also make for unique shots. Reddit+1

National Playing Card Museum Turnhout (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide