ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle Drostenhuis
ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle blends interactive digital exhibits with historical spaces like the Drostenhuis, exploring the city's rich past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more screen time
ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle Drostenhuis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more screen time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle blends interactive digital exhibits with historical spaces like the Drostenhuis, exploring the city's rich past.
"A modern take on history, with engaging digital displays and a beautifully restored Drostenhuis."
Check Screen Availability
With limited touchscreens per room, be prepared to wait your turn for interactive exhibits. :iphone:
Explore the Free Section First
Get a feel for Zwolle's history in the accessible free areas before deciding on a ticketed experience. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drostenhuis Baroque Interior
Drostenhuis
Step back in time in the beautifully restored baroque rooms of the Drostenhuis, offering a glimpse into historical living.
Interactive City History
Main exhibition halls
Engage with Zwolle's past through touchscreens and digital displays, bringing the city's evolution to life.
Hanseatic League Exhibition
Hanseatic exhibition hall
Explore Zwolle's significant role in the Hanseatic League through informative displays and artifacts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the New vs. Old Museum
Free vs. Ticketed Areas
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Screen Availability
With limited touchscreens per room, be prepared to wait your turn for interactive exhibits. :iphone:
Explore the Free Section First
Get a feel for Zwolle's history in the accessible free areas before deciding on a ticketed experience. :world_map:
Bring Your Own Device
If you prefer reading over touchscreens, consider bringing your own device for supplementary information. :computer:
Enjoy the Cafe & Garden
Relax in the pleasant cafe and garden area after your museum visit. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Screen Availability
With limited touchscreens per room, be prepared to wait your turn for interactive exhibits. :iphone:
Explore the Free Section First
Get a feel for Zwolle's history in the accessible free areas before deciding on a ticketed experience. :world_map:
Bring Your Own Device
If you prefer reading over touchscreens, consider bringing your own device for supplementary information. :computer:
Enjoy the Cafe & Garden
Relax in the pleasant cafe and garden area after your museum visit. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle offers a modern, interactive approach to city history, with a free section and a beautifully restored Drostenhuis. While some visitors appreciate the digital engagement, others miss the traditional displays and original artifacts. The cafe and garden provide a pleasant respite.
"Nice small museum. Really helpful staffs.
Have free part that you can just get in and learn about Zwolle. Some part you have to buy ticket to get in.
Nice cafe and garden in the back."
onsiri netisak
"I would say that the whole experience in the museum would have been better with an explanation and some added sound attributes (which were there but not available. As for the garden it was nice but somewhat unused.
By the way in restaurant part, some woke people have taken over asking if I wanted oat 'milk' in my latte macchiato which is impossible as there isn't such a thing it's made up. So they asked what I wanted instead (yes you heard it right! "Instead") I said well 'normal' milk! They replied oh so you mean Cow milk, well at least that's still named normal... I know you have sheep and goat milk and others perhaps but yes worldwide cow milk is it."
Will ToLive
"Very disappointed with the new version of the Zwolle city museum.
Very few original objects. A film, information panels with illustrations and lots of touchscreens : I can watch and read them at home, or anywhere online. Actually, the Wikipedia page about Zwolle is much more informative….
Many fancy gadgets that will be broken soon, and too little content.
There is only one touchscreen per room, so if there’s anybody else in the room, you have to wait. There is no description written next to the (copies of) objects, only via the touchscreens. The dates are often not specified. There is not a single map of the city.
The museum is focused on a few persons who are supposed to tell about an important topic in the history of Zwolle. Unfortunately, these people are unknown to non-Dutch, and to many Dutchmen outside Zwolle too. I couldn’t find any through-line.
The Drostenhuis has been beautifully restored in baroque style, but you can only visit the ground floor.
The Hanse exhibition is just an introduction. The touchscreen is supposed to be multilingual, but the English, German and Zwollse dialect texts are all missing. The explanations in Dutch do not explain well what sense the objects make. How come the coats of arms of Zwolle, Hasselt and Kampen are present on the same object, while they were rival cities ? No answer…
The booklet about the Hanse time is strange. It ignores the catholic monasteries, city walls and gates, and event the pest hospital, though they are significant artifacts from Zwolle’s Hanse past, much more than the demolished buildings listed in this booklet.
Museumkaart is not valid."
juliette berlin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Zwolle, making it easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive by train to Zwolle Station, which is a short walk away. If driving, check for nearby parking facilities, though they can be busy.
Yes, there are several parking garages in the vicinity of the museum. However, parking can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.
Absolutely! Zwolle Station is a convenient starting point, and the museum is a pleasant walk through the city center, allowing you to see more of Zwolle along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a free section of the museum that you can explore without a ticket. However, to access the main exhibitions and the Drostenhuis, a paid ticket is required.
Unfortunately, the Museumkaart is not valid for entry at ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle. You will need to purchase a separate ticket for admission.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle website for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any special closures.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended to save time and guarantee entry, especially during busy periods. Check the museum's website for online booking options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum has been updated with many interactive touchscreens and digital displays, which some visitors find engaging, while others miss the original objects that were lost in a fire.
While the museum aims to be multilingual, some visitors have noted that English, German, and other language texts were missing from touchscreens. It's advisable to check on-site for current language availability.
The Drostenhuis has been beautifully restored, but currently, only the ground floor is open for public visits.
The museum offers digital guides via tablets, which you can use by scanning QR codes. This allows for a self-paced exploration of Zwolle's history and the building.
The Hanse exhibition provides an introduction to Zwolle's role in the Hanseatic League, featuring displays and information about this historical trade network.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle has a cafe and a garden area where visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments after their visit.
The cafe offers standard cafe fare, including coffee and other beverages. Some visitors have noted interesting discussions around milk alternatives.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the museum. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially in areas with sensitive exhibits.
The restored Drostenhuis offers beautiful architectural details for photography. The interactive displays can also provide unique visual content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum aims for broad appeal, parents might want to manage expectations regarding the number of original artifacts. The focus is heavily on digital content, which can be a pro or con depending on your child's preferences. The cafe and garden offer a nice break spot for families needing a moment of rest.
🤔 History Enthusiasts (Traditionalists)
If you're keen on deep dives into historical context, you might find the digital format less satisfying than physical artifacts. However, the museum does cover significant periods like Zwolle's Hanseatic past. Consider exploring the free section first to gauge your comfort level with the museum's current presentation style before purchasing tickets for the full experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of ANNO Stadsmuseum Zwolle
This evolution has sparked varied reactions among visitors. Some appreciate the innovative use of technology and find the interactive elements informative and fun, comparing it favorably to more static historical exhibits. Others express a longing for more tangible historical objects and feel that the extensive use of digital media makes the experience feel less unique and more akin to browsing online resources. The limited number of touchscreens per room can also lead to waiting times, impacting the flow of the visit.
Despite the differing opinions on the new format, the museum's commitment to preserving and presenting Zwolle's history remains. The Drostenhuis, a historical building within the museum complex, has been meticulously restored to its baroque splendor, offering a beautifully preserved glimpse into the past, even if only its ground floor is currently accessible.
Navigating the Interactive Experience
However, the reliance on touchscreens has its challenges. With only one touchscreen per room, visitors may encounter queues, especially during busier periods. This can disrupt the immersive experience and lead to frustration for those eager to learn. Furthermore, some visitors have noted that the multilingual options on these screens are not always fully functional, potentially limiting access for international guests.
For those who prefer a more traditional approach or find the digital interfaces overwhelming, it's worth noting that the museum's free section offers a more straightforward introduction to Zwolle's heritage. Additionally, bringing your own tablet or smartphone can supplement the museum's digital offerings, allowing you to research topics further or access information at your own pace.
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