Gorcums Museum
The former town hall on the Grote Markt is now home to the Gorcums Museum. Here you will be introduced to typical Gorcumse Faces & Goods. The world-famous Martyrs of Gorcum have a prominent place in the museum. And of course the Gorcum Salt Bollen. But you will also find the 'small' stories, for instance of Jan de Rijmer, Driek den Harrel, Oppie and Ant Schalk. Or the Gorcum feminist Cornelia Kehrer-Stuart.
A special hall has been set aside for Gorcum's Golden Age. Gorinchem also flourished in the 17th century and produced great artists such as Cornelis Saftleven, Jacob van der Ulft, Jan Olis and Aert van der Neer. Their work hangs in museums in London, Paris, New York and Saint Petersburg. And in the Gorcums Museum Museum!
Hendrick Hamel Museum
The Hendrick Hamel Museum also tells a special Gorcum story. In 1653, Hendrick Hamel from Gorcum stranded with the crew of a VOC ship off the coast of the Korean island of Jeju. They were held captive for as many as 13 years in then-unknown Korea. After his escape, Hamel's travel account was published in many languages and the Western world was introduced to the country. In Korea itself, Hendrick Hamel is a national hero. Visit his birthplace at Kortendijk in Gorinchem for the detailed story. And then grab the temporary exhibition right away.
Oude Brandweerkazerne
Did you know that Jan van der Heijden was also born in Gorinchem? He later became a famous inventor, painter and draughtsman. He is known worldwide as the inventor of an improved fire hose and street lamp. In the oude brandweerkazerne in the fortress, there is an exhibition dedicated to the history of the fire brigade, where Stichting Stoomspuit Gorkum shows old equipment and demonstrates Jan van der Heijden's invention. Every Saturday, volunteers are only too happy to tell you how this 1910 machine works. Also on display are all kinds of fire brigade attributes from Gorcum's fire brigade history. From uniforms and helmets to photos, records and books. Well worth a visit if you are in Gorinchem on Saturday. Children also love the demonstrations with the fire hose!
Tips in the region
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There are even more fun museums to visit in the vicinity of Gorinchem, also with children! These are our favourites:
Slot Loevestein
Slot Loevestein is not to be missed when in Gorinchem! Take the ferry to the other side and get off right in front of Slot Loevestein, the most famous castle in the Netherlands, famous for the escape in the book chest. Inside the castle, the outer bailey and the soldier village, there is plenty to do. With your own key, you can explore the castle, start presentations and spelen games. In the museum, you can learn more about Hugo de Groot, the Middle Ages and the Dutch Waterline. The kids can have a great time on the climbing course and play the escape of Hugo de Groot!
Glass factory Leerdam
Who does not know Leerdam for its glass? On the Lingedijk is the centuries-old crystal factory, where great designers such as Copier, Meydam and Lanooy worked. A little further on is the Nationaal Glasmuseum, once started as a company museum and now the glass treasure trove of the Netherlands! The museum also has its own glassworks in an old wood shed near the marina. Here you can experience the craft up close six days a week.
The Biesbosch Museum Island
The BiesboschMuseumEiland is not only fun if you want to learn more about this special nature reserve. It is also the ideal starting point for hiking, cycling and boating trips through the Biesbosch. Right next to the museum, you can board the whisper boat for a tour through the Biesbosch (do make reservations). In museum café Biesonder, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with beaver cake, a locally brewed beaver beer or one of the other regional products. Even without an admission ticket! So settle down on the large terrace and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding nature.
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