THE BEST MUSEUMS IN WESTERKWARTIER
Various museums have made the interesting history of the Westerkwartier area their main topic. The following venues will take you right back in time to relive the history of Westerkwartier.
Museum Wierdenland
Museum Wierdenland introduces you to an area in the north of the Netherlands with terpen and wierden – wide hills that were constructed to live on in areas that flooded regularly. Explore this extensive area, its inhabitants and their centuries-old battle against the rising water of the North Sea and the Wadden Sea. The museum features local archaeological findings, such as a horse grave. After learning all kinds of interesting facts about the history of the environs, children can do some craft work, read, play or participate in a traditional game at the table. Combine a visit to the museum with a guided bicycle ride or set out by yourself; to that church up the hill, for instance.
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Museum Nienoord
Nienoord castle was built in 1524. Take in their exhibition called Verborgen Verhalen – Hidden Stories – that presents the fascinating history of the castle and its inhabitants. Continue to visit the ‘Bestemming Bereikt’ – Destination Reached – interactive carriage exhibition. They also have a special game children can play to learn how to drive a carriage. It shows exactly what it was like to travel from Leek to Groningen in a carriage in the 19th century. Don’t forget to visit the 17th-century shell grotto in the garden and take the guided tour of the carriage depot.
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Kloostermuseum Sint Bernardushof
Aduard is home to various houses that were built using Roman bricks that were also used for the construction of the old monastery a long time ago. The 13th-century Romanesque-Gothic Abdij church in the village centre was once the monastery infirmary. It’s also the only construction of the old complex that was preserved – don’t worry, you’ll see it at the end of the guided tour. As such, it’s also the oldest medical monument in the Netherlands. Come to the Sint Bernardushof museum where you’ll be personally welcomed for a guided tour into the illustrious monastic past in an authentic location. It’s not necessarily the end of your fun day if you somehow find their doors closed, because there is a walk along the contours of the former monastery, featuring seven works of art and 3D images of the structure. Using an app, you will have an almost real-life experience of the former monastery.
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Jewish School
The first Leek inhabitant with a Jewish background came to live in this village as early as 1705. After in 1796 Jews obtained equal civil rights in the Netherlands, more followed this example. Many of them became active in the successful trade centre Leek was in those days. In time, a Jewish cemetery was realised, followed by the establishment of a synagogue and a Jewish school, where children were taught Judaism and Hebrew. By the time WWII broke out, about ninety Jewish inhabitants were left in Leek. The school has since been converted into a museum and memorial of the 61 Jews from Leek that were killed during the war.
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More museums
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Museum Nienoord: manor house and carriage museum
Museum Nienoord: manor house and carriage museum
Museum
