Traditional Costume & Fishing Museum

The Traditional Costume & Fishing Museum (Klederdracht- en Visserijmuseum) is located the heart of Spakenburg, behind Noorderkerk church.

Over 40 years ago a number of women came up with the idea of dressing dolls in Spakenburg traditional costume. This initiative resulted in a doll exhibition, in the rooms behind Noorderkerk church. All the work was done by volunteers and the proceeds were donated to the mission. This paved the way for today’s Traditional Costume & Fishing Museum. The museum, which is open from April to September, is still run by volunteers. And the main aim is still to raise money for the mission, charitable works and evangelisation.

The collection now includes more than 120 dolls, which portray the history and traditions of traditional dress, from original christening dresses to wedding dresses and mourning dress. In addition, some 20 models of fishing smacks are on display and there are miniature displays of local village scenes, such as a school room, a petroleum trader and the fishing firm.

But that’s not all: a rare collection of embroidered bible scenes from England adorns the walls of the museum, and there is a room with showcases full of beaded purses, beaded muffs, silverwork, hand-painted breast-cloths and porcelain. And every year there is a splendid exhibition of quilts, many of them made from authentic Spakenburg traditional costume materials. For anyone who wants to try quilting and patchwork for themselves, the museum shop sells a wide range of authentic materials. The museum is wheelchair friendly and there are experts to guide you round.

The museum also organises traditional costume shows with coffee or lunch.

And if the children would like to try on a traditional costume, there are a number of costumes available for this purpose. They ask for a donation of €10 to try these costumes on. Don’t forget to bring a camera or video!

Opening period: from April to September.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.