National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden

Name: National Museum of Ethnology
Address: Steenstraat 1, Leiden, 2312 BS, Netherlands
Telephone: +31 88 004 2800

#1 among attractions in Leiden

Museum, Philipp Franz von Siebold, Top attraction, Specialty museum, More...

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Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0 / ErikvanB / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / ErikvanB / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Rudolphous / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hnapel / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hnapel / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rudolphous / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Erik Zachte / URL

Facts and practical information

The National Museum of Ethnology, located in the historic city of Leiden, Netherlands, is a captivating institution dedicated to the cultures and peoples from around the world. Established in 1837, this museum has grown to become one of the most important ethnographical museums in Europe.

This museum houses an extensive collection that spans the globe, featuring artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The exhibits showcase a diverse range of objects, including traditional clothing, religious artifacts, musical instruments, and household items, providing a comprehensive look at the cultural practices and artistic expressions of different societies.

The National Museum of Ethnology is not only a treasure trove for cultural enthusiasts but also serves as a research center for anthropologists, sociologists, and historians. Its rich collections, coupled with ongoing research, contribute significantly to the understanding of cultural diversity and the complex histories of human societies.

Visitors to the museum can expect to embark on an educational journey, where interactive displays and multimedia installations bring the stories of distant cultures to life. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific themes or regions, offering fresh perspectives and insights.

Local name: Museum Volkenkunde Established: 1837 (187 years ago)Visitors per year: 76.3 thous.Coordinates: 52°9'48"N, 4°28'56"E

Address

Steenstraat 1Leiden 2312 BS Netherlands

Contact

+31 88 004 2800

Website

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Leiden

Day trips

National Museum of Ethnology – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Museum Boerhaave, Museum De Valk, De Burcht, Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.

~1680 ftSE
History of Dutch sciences and medicine
Museum Boerhaave, Leiden
9 min walk • Nestled in the quaint Dutch city of Leiden, Museum Boerhaave stands as a testament to the rich heritage of science and medicine. This illustrious institution, named after the renowned 17th-century physician Herman Boerhaave, offers an unparalleled exploration of the...
~1040 ftNE
Museum, Specialty museum
Museum De Valk, Leiden
6 min walk • Museum De Valk, a beacon of history nestled in the heart of Leiden, Netherlands, stands as a testament to the city's rich milling heritage. This striking museum, housed within a meticulously restored 18th-century windmill, offers visitors an unparalleled glimpse into...
0.5 miSE
Historical place, Forts and castles
De Burcht, Leiden
14 min walk • De Burcht of Leiden is a historical fortress located in the heart of Leiden, Netherlands, offering a window into the medieval past of this charming Dutch city. This ancient castle, sitting atop an artificial hill, dates back to the 11th century and is known for its...
~1860 ftSE
Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden
9 min walk • The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, nestled in the historic city of Leiden, Netherlands, is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts and a testament to human civilization's rich and diverse past. Established in 1818, this museum is the national center of archaeology where...
0.6 miSE
Museum of founders of New England
Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, Leiden
16 min walk • The Leiden American Pilgrim Museum is a historical gem nestled in the heart of Leiden, Netherlands. This intimate museum offers a unique window into the lives of the Pilgrims, the English religious separatists who lived in Leiden for a period before embarking on their...
~1160 ftE
Fine art museum with works by Rembrandt
Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden
6 min walk • Museum De Lakenhal, a beacon of cultural heritage nestled in the historic city of Leiden, Netherlands, stands as a testament to the city's rich artistic and industrial past. This distinguished museum, housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, was...
0.6 miSE
Church, Gothic architecture, Event space
Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden
16 min walk • The Hooglandse Kerk, a historical beacon in the heart of Leiden, Netherlands, is an imposing Gothic church that has stood the test of time. With its origins dating back to the 14th century, this church has become an integral part of the city's skyline and cultural...
~1360 ftS
Museum, Philipp Franz von Siebold, Specialty museum
SieboldHuis, Leiden
7 min walk • Japan Museum SieboldHuis is a museum located at the Rapenburg in Leiden, Netherlands. It displays items that were collected by Philipp Franz von Siebold between 1823 and 1829 during his stay at Dejima, the Dutch trade colony nearby Nagasaki in Japan. It also functions as a museum of Japanese culture.
0.5 miSE
Events center in a former church
Pieterskerk, Leiden
12 min walk • The Pieterskerk is a late-Gothic Dutch Protestant church in Leiden dedicated to Saint Peter. It is known today as the church of the Pilgrim Fathers, where the pastor John Robinson was buried.
0.6 miS
University astronomical observatory
Leiden Observatory, Leiden
15 min walk • Leiden Observatory is an astronomical institute of Leiden University, in the Netherlands. Established in 1633 to house the quadrant of Rudolph Snellius, it is the oldest operating university observatory in the world, with the only older still existing observatory being the Vatican Observatory.
0.5 miS
Established botanical gardens with cafe
Hortus Botanicus, Leiden
14 min walk • The Hortus botanicus of Leiden is the oldest botanical garden of the Netherlands, and one of the oldest in the world. It is located in the southwestern part of the historical centre of the city, between the Academy building and the old Leiden Observatory building.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is National Museum of Ethnology open?

National Museum of Ethnology is open:

Monday closed
Tuesday 10 am - 5 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 5 pm
Thursday 10 am - 5 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

Which popular attractions are close to National Museum of Ethnology?

Nearby attractions include Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen, Leiden (1 min walk), Museum De Valk, Leiden (6 min walk), Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden (6 min walk), Galerie De Pieter, Leiden (7 min walk).

How to get to National Museum of Ethnology by public transport?

The nearest stations to National Museum of Ethnology:

Bus

Steenstraat • Lines: 1, 169, 182, 183, 187, 2, 3, 4, 45, 5, 6, 7 (3 min walk)
Leiden Centraal • Lines: 1, 169, 182, 183, 187, 2, 20, 21, 256, 3, 365, 38, 4, 400, 410, 43, 430, 431, 432, 45, 5, 50, 56, 57, 6, 7, 8, 854, 9, 90 (4 min walk)

Train

Leiden Centraal (6 min walk)
Leiden Lammenschans (32 min walk)