Museum Voorlinden, Wassenaar
Foto: Ruud Baan
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Museum Voorlinden Wassenaar

4.6
·8k reviews·Wassenaar, Netherlands

A stunning modern art museum in Wassenaar, featuring interactive illusions, contemporary masterpieces, and expansive sculpture gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Museum Voorlinden, Wassenaar
Foto: Ruud Baan

Museum Voorlinden Wassenaar

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning modern art museum in Wassenaar, featuring interactive illusions, contemporary masterpieces, and expansive sculpture gardens.

4.6
(8k reviews)

"A unique and engaging museum experience, with beautiful landscaping and captivating art."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Shoes Off for Some Art

Be prepared to remove your shoes for certain exhibits like 'Sweet Memories'. Shoe covers are provided if needed.

💧 No Water Bottles Inside

You're not allowed to bring water bottles into the museum. Plan accordingly and stay hydrated before or after your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Famous Pool Illusion

The Famous Pool Illusion

Sweet Memories exhibition

An iconic optical illusion that creates the surreal effect of swimming underwater. A must-see for its playful and mind-bending artistry.

Sculpture Gardens

Sculpture Gardens

Outdoor grounds

Expansive and beautifully curated gardens featuring impressive contemporary sculptures amidst lush greenery.

Marshmallow House

Marshmallow House

Exhibition space

A whimsical and unexpected art installation that delights visitors with its playful design and texture.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

While not always mandatory, booking your tickets online for Museum Voorlinden Wassenaar is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you secure your preferred entry time and avoid potential disappointment at the door. Some special exhibitions might require timed slots.

Embrace the Grounds

Don't just focus on the indoor modern art. The museum's stunning landscaped gardens and sculpture park are an integral part of the experience. Allow ample time to wander and discover the outdoor installations, which are often as captivating as the indoor exhibits.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Let me free 🤣 #musuemvoorlinden #repost
@dokrateemod
502.4K likes • 8.9M views

👟 Shoes Off for Some Art

Be prepared to remove your shoes for certain exhibits like 'Sweet Memories'. Shoe covers are provided if needed. Reddit

💧 No Water Bottles Inside

You're not allowed to bring water bottles into the museum. Plan accordingly and stay hydrated before or after your visit. Reddit

Museum Voorlinden. Leandro Erlich. #exhibition #art #contemporaryart #artist #museum #voorlinden #gallery
@weronika__skonieczna
152.5K likes • 11M views
4 museums you have to visit in the Netherlands🇳🇱😍 (All in the povince of Zuid-Holland) 1. @CORPUS 2. @Museum Naturalis 3. @Remastered Experience 4. @museumvoorlinden #travel #netherlands #museum #netherlandstravel
@travelih
89.5K likes • 1.3M views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

The outdoor sculpture gardens are as impressive as the indoor art. Don't miss them! Reddit

☕ Cafe with a View

Enjoy a coffee or lunch at the cafe, which offers lovely views of the surrounding forest. Reddit

Musuem Voorlinden and seeing Ron Mueck's work in real life just casually ticking off my bucket list art galleries off the list ✓ We spent a morning here during our trip in the Netherlands, situated in Wassenaar and accessible on the bus. A family of four tickets set up back around €44 and we took our own sandwiches to eat in the grounds there is a restaurant there that looked lovely (maybe another...
@tigerlilyquinn
75.8K likes • 610.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Shoes Off for Some Art

Be prepared to remove your shoes for certain exhibits like 'Sweet Memories'. Shoe covers are provided if needed. Reddit

💧 No Water Bottles Inside

You're not allowed to bring water bottles into the museum. Plan accordingly and stay hydrated before or after your visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Gardens

The outdoor sculpture gardens are as impressive as the indoor art. Don't miss them! Reddit

☕ Cafe with a View

Enjoy a coffee or lunch at the cafe, which offers lovely views of the surrounding forest. Reddit

📚 Free Audio Guide

A small booklet with background on each artwork is provided, enhancing the understanding of the pieces. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Museum Voorlinden is widely praised for its innovative modern art collection, particularly the interactive and illusionary pieces like the famous pool. Visitors rave about the beautifully curated sculpture gardens and the overall aesthetic of the museum. However, some find the admission price high for the duration of the indoor exhibits, and a few have noted minor inconveniences like the distance to restrooms or strict 'keep distance' rules.

"The pool is very famous yes, but if u go there just for that I would say it’s not worth it. But there are so much more to see. The environment surrounded is just so good to be true. Highly recommended even if just for the view outside. And the museum inside itself must be one of the most beautiful museum I have ever seen."

Bast

"It's a very enjoyable place. Kids can enjoy it too. But we loved the cafe right next to it. The forest where the museum is located was wonderful. The landscaping was beautiful. You can also take a walk around the area."

Arzu E

"Museum VoorlinMuseum Voorlinden is a beautiful and well-curated modern art museum, worth visiting if you are in the area.

The staff is friendly and helpful, which made the experience smooth and pleasant. The artworks are all special in their own way, and each room offers something different. A standout for us was the marshmallow house — playful and unexpected, it really stood out as a highlight.

There are a few practical things to note. You are not allowed to take even a water bottle inside, so plan accordingly. Also, the toilets are located outside the main building, which means you have to walk a bit to reach them.

Overall, a unique and engaging museum experience. We give it 4 out of 5 stars.
den"

Sunand Sharrma

What People Like

Innovative modern art
Famous pool illusion
Beautiful sculpture gardens

What People Dislike

Admission price
Strict distance rules

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Museum Voorlinden is located in Wassenaar, easily accessible by car. There is ample parking available. Public transport options include taking a train to Leiden Centraal or The Hague Centraal and then a bus towards Wassenaar. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times. Reddit

Yes, Museum Voorlinden offers a spacious parking lot for visitors. It's convenient for those arriving by car, making it a straightforward part of your visit. Reddit

Cycling is a popular way to explore the Netherlands. There are bike racks available at the museum, making it a great option for a scenic ride through the Wassenaar landscape. Reddit

While driving is convenient, public transport is also an option. You'll typically need to combine train and bus services. It's advisable to use a journey planner like 9292.nl for precise public transport directions from your starting point. Reddit

Wassenaar is well-connected. If coming from major cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, taking a train to Leiden or The Hague and then a bus is a common approach. The museum is then a short bus ride or taxi from the nearest stops. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to Museum Voorlinden is €22 per adult. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts for students or seniors. Reddit

Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for special exhibitions or during busy periods, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot. Reddit

Museum Voorlinden is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always best to verify the exact opening hours on their official website before your visit, as these can change. Reddit

Yes, Museum Voorlinden frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase contemporary art. Information about current and upcoming exhibitions is available on their website. Reddit

Yes, Museum Voorlinden is enjoyable for children, and they can often appreciate the interactive and visually striking art. Some exhibits may have age recommendations. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The 'Swimming Pool' installation by Leandro Erlich is a famous piece at Museum Voorlinden. It's an optical illusion that makes it appear as though visitors are underwater, creating a surreal and memorable experience. Reddit

Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Be prepared to remove your shoes for certain exhibits, so easy-to-remove footwear is a good idea. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Always check for specific signage in each exhibition room, as some artworks may have restrictions. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 2.5 to 3 hours exploring both the indoor exhibitions and the outdoor gardens. You can easily spend longer if you wish to linger or enjoy the cafe. Reddit

Restrooms are available, though some reviews mention they are located outside the main building, requiring a short walk. Plan accordingly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Museum Voorlinden has a cafe located next to the museum, offering a pleasant spot to relax with coffee, lunch, or snacks. It's praised for its views of the surrounding forest. Reddit

The cafe typically serves light meals, sandwiches, pastries, and beverages. It's a good place to refuel during your visit. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume any personal food items before entering or after your visit. Reddit

Wassenaar offers various dining options in its town center. However, the museum cafe is conveniently located on-site for a seamless experience. Reddit

Yes, the cafe is generally family-friendly, providing a relaxed atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is usually permitted, but always check for specific signs in each gallery. Flash and tripods are typically not allowed to protect the artworks. Reddit

The 'Swimming Pool' illusion, the outdoor sculpture gardens, and the unique architectural elements of the museum itself offer fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

While personal photos are fine, commercial photography or professional shoots usually require prior permission. For social media sharing, adhere to general museum guidelines. Reddit

A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor shots. However, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing most of the art and grounds. Reddit

Absolutely! The sculpture gardens provide ample space and natural light, making it ideal for capturing stunning images of the outdoor art installations. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Museum Voorlinden is surprisingly family-friendly, with many exhibits designed to spark curiosity and wonder in younger visitors. The interactive nature of some art pieces, like the famous 'Swimming Pool' illusion, is a huge hit with children. The spacious sculpture gardens also provide room to roam and discover outdoor art, making it a more engaging experience than a typical art museum. Reddit

While there are rules like no food or drink inside, the museum's cafe offers a good spot for a family break. Be aware that some exhibits might require removing shoes, so easy-to-manage footwear is a plus. Overall, it's a great option for a family day out where kids can be entertained and educated by contemporary art in a beautiful setting. Reddit

🎨 Art Enthusiasts on a Budget

While the €22 admission might seem steep, many visitors find the unique experience at Museum Voorlinden to be worth the cost. The quality and originality of the modern art, combined with the stunning sculpture gardens, offer a rich artistic experience. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to potentially enjoy a less crowded, more contemplative visit. Reddit

To maximize value, plan to spend a good 2.5-3 hours here, exploring both the indoor galleries and the extensive outdoor grounds. The provided booklet offers in-depth information, acting as a free audio guide. The cafe, while an additional expense, provides a pleasant atmosphere to reflect on the art, and the surrounding natural beauty is free to enjoy. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Illusion and Interaction

Museum Voorlinden is renowned for its collection of modern and contemporary art, with a particular emphasis on pieces that play with perception and engage the viewer. The 'Swimming Pool' by Leandro Erlich is perhaps its most famous exhibit, a clever optical illusion that creates the surreal sensation of being underwater. This interactive approach extends to other installations, encouraging visitors to not just observe but to experience the art. Reviews often highlight the playful and unexpected nature of the exhibits, making it a refreshing change from more traditional museum settings. Reddit

Beyond the well-known illusions, the museum houses a diverse range of works from both established and emerging artists. The curation is thoughtful, with each room offering a distinct atmosphere and a new discovery. The landscaped gardens are an extension of this artistic vision, featuring impressive sculptures that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. This integration of indoor and outdoor art ensures a comprehensive and engaging visit. Reddit

Visitors often appreciate the museum's spacious layout, which prevents overcrowding even during busier times. The provision of a small booklet with background information on each artwork further enhances the visitor's understanding and appreciation. This combination of innovative art, beautiful surroundings, and visitor-friendly amenities makes Museum Voorlinden a unique destination for art lovers. Reddit

Navigating the Grounds and Gardens

The landscaped gardens surrounding Museum Voorlinden are a significant attraction in themselves. Designed to complement the art, they offer a tranquil escape and a chance to discover numerous sculptures nestled amongst the greenery. The paths are well-maintained, making it easy to wander and explore at your own pace. It’s recommended to allocate at least an hour to fully appreciate the outdoor installations and the natural beauty of the estate. Reddit

When visiting the gardens, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking. The layout encourages exploration, with hidden nooks and artistic surprises around every corner. The changing seasons also bring different perspectives to the gardens, making repeat visits potentially rewarding. Remember that while the indoor museum has specific rules, the gardens offer a more relaxed environment for enjoying the art and nature. Reddit

Visitors often praise the seamless transition between the indoor museum and the outdoor spaces. The gardens are not just an afterthought but an integral part of the Voorlinden experience, providing a beautiful backdrop and a different kind of artistic engagement. It’s a place where art, nature, and design converge harmoniously. Reddit

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