You spot the Groninger Museum as soon as you leave Groningen Central Station. In the canal stand a golden tower, a round silver cylinder and a pavilion of slanting walls and glass. You cross a bridge and step straight into a world of colour. Inside, contemporary art, design, fashion and older paintings from Groningen take turns. The building draws almost as much attention as the art on its walls. Read on for what to see, who designed it and how to plan your visit.
- Location
- Museumeiland 1, Groningen, opposite the central station
- Type
- Modern art, design and regional history
- Highlights
- The building by Alessandro Mendini and others, De Ploeg, Chinese porcelain
- Free entry
- Children and young people up to 18, and Museumkaart holders
- Getting there
- A 5 minute walk from Groningen Central Station
What you see at the Groninger Museum
The collection ranges from archaeology and the history of the city and province to art made after 1950, contemporary art, design, photography and fashion. Asian ceramics, with a large share of Chinese porcelain, have a place of their own. A constant favourite is De Ploeg, the Groningen artists' society whose painters captured the northern landscape in strong colours. Next to the collection there is a steady programme of large temporary exhibitions. Because the presentation changes regularly, it pays to look at what is on before you travel, so you know which parts of the building to head for first.
The Groninger Museum building as a work of art
The current building opened in 1994, although the museum itself dates from 1874. The lead designer was the Italian Alessandro Mendini, who drew the golden tower, the entrance, the staircase and two pavilions. Philippe Starck designed the round pavilion for applied art and Michele de Lucchi a brick bastion for archaeology and history. The most striking part comes from Coop Himmelb(l)au: a pavilion of concrete, steel and glass that hangs over its base. Its largest section was built at a shipyard and then towed across the water to its place.
Details you might miss
Look out for the small things during your visit. The bridge for cyclists and pedestrians that runs through the building is named after the artist H.N. Werkman. Look at its underside: it is covered in stickers by the artist Wim Delvoye. A renovation in 2010 added three new spaces. Studio Job designed the Job Lounge, a playful nod to the gentlemen's clubs of the nineteenth century. Jaime Hayon created the Info Center, with a large mirror on the ceiling that reflects the water. Maarten Baas gave the museum café a new interior, so even your coffee break comes with design.
Plan your visit to the Groninger Museum
Come by train: the museum is a 5 minute walk from Groningen Central Station, so you do not need a car. Children and young people up to 18 get in free, and the Museumkaart, the Dutch annual museum pass, is valid. You can also buy that pass at the ticket counter. Free lockers take coats and small bags, but the museum asks you not to bring luggage. Food and drinks may not be taken inside. If you have more time in the city, our overview of museums in Groningen shows what else is within walking distance.
Frequently asked questions about the Groninger Museum
Is the Groninger Museum free for children?
Is the Museumkaart valid at the Groninger Museum?
Who designed the Groninger Museum?
How far is the museum from Groningen station?
Can I bring luggage or food?
Plan your visit
Tickets and attractions in Groningen are available through our ticket partner Tiqets.
Museums in Groningen