Experience history up close
At the best open-air museum in Eindhoven and the province of North-Brabant you will experience the past by going exploring for yourself. Along the way, you meet historical inhabitants from prehistoric times until the late Middle Ages. Listen to their exciting stories, let them teach you how to perform ancient crafts and gain the skills that have made it possible for the world to advance throughout the ages.
We speak English and our signs and information materials are also available in English. So come and enjoy everything. Discover our history by grabbing, smelling and tasting it. This way you will get to know the past as it really was.
May 29 - June 1: Roman Days
At the end of May, the Romans will visit our museum. Did you know that many of our daily conveniences were introduced by the Romans? Writing, the use of money, new food and even the network of streets and roads… it was all brought to us by this impressive people! During the Roman Days, you will have the chance to discover how the Romans lived in the Brabant region more than 2000 years ago. Will you be there?
June 7-9: Vikingfest
On June 7, 8 and 9, hundreds of Vikings will take over our museum again! Experience the early Middle Ages with spectacular battles, crafts, a lively Viking market and various performances and workshops. Step into the world of tough warriors and skilled traders and discover the life of real Vikings. Order your tickets now and don't miss this event of the year!
August 23-24: Annual Medieval Market
On 23 & 24 August, experience the Middle Ages at their best during the Middeleeuwse Jaarmarkt (Annual Medieval Market)! Wander past colourful stalls full of artisanal goods, enjoy musicians, jugglers and storytellers, and admire knights in spectacular battles. Come taste, discover and participate in medieval games. Order your tickets now and travel to another time!
A historical adventure
The residents you meet in the museum, will tell you everything you want to know about the past. But you can also discover the museum in other ways. For example, take the audio tour with you for free at the reception and keep your eyes peeled. Or walk through the museum while reading the museum guide, full of special facts about our history. And for those who really want to know everything, we offer a free tour every day. Join us if you want to hear more about our buildings, the basics of archaeology and our history.
The inn: open daily
Our restaurant, Inn Den Bonten Os on the market square, is open to our visitors during regular opening days from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Settle down on the terrace for delicious tiny pancakes (so-called poffertjes), sandwiches, salads, and much more. You have also come to the right place for hot dishes or a refreshing drink.
Open for all ages
The museum is open from Tuesday - Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 hours. Buy your tickets online and walk back in time in our prehistoric and medieval village. Listen to the stories of our villagers, experience their daily life and play various games and jobs from our past. Any idea how to throw a spear or control a wooden canoe? Come and find out!
New: group mystery
Are you a fan of the kind of puzzles they give you in escape rooms? Then how about an escape museum?
Loki, the god of chaos and lies, dares you with six riddles. Solve them together to crack the cryptex code before closing hours or get trapped in the past to be Loki’s plaything forever…
Active and instructive
At the preHistorisch Dorp, you will mainly be doing things yourself. You can choose various activities in each historical period. In the hunters and gatherers section, for example, you will build a shack or make music. In the native-Roman period, you can make pegs or solve a Loculus puzzle. And during the Eighty Years’ War you will be walking on stilts, throwing pebbles or making an actual coat of arms. If you’re curious what the other periods have to offer, come and visit and discover it all for yourself.
The preHistorisch Dorp is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM.
School trips
History lessons really come to life at the preHistorisch Dorp! There's an extensive offer for schools. You can choose from a number of educational programmes for two and three day school camps with a prehistorical or medieval programme or a one-day school trip teeming with adventurous historical activities. Go for old crafts in our smithy or experience prehistory in our ancient farms. Allow the students to see, hear, grab, smell and taste everything they learned during their history lessons.
What you will discover:
Do you feel like a hunter? Then learn to throw javelin or make a fire. Are you more of a strong prehistoric woman? Learn to weave tape or paddle in a trunk canoe. The Vikings among us learn to shoot with bows and arrows, or discover how they forge a sword. And adventurers will search for the secret path or listen to exciting stories around the fire. In whose skin do you feel most comfortable? Discover it at the preHistorisch Dorp!
Want to become a volunteer?
The preHistorisch Dorp wouldn't be here without all of the wonderful, hardworking volunteers and curious interns. So we can really use your help! At the technical department, for example, we are looking for people with a green thumb or some experience DIYing. In our marketing team, we can use motivated volunteers and an intern for content marketing. And if you would like to be the first to welcome our visitors, there's work at the reception desk. Make sure to keep on reading if you would like to become a volunteer or intern at our cozy museum!
Rent or buy historical costumes
Has it been your dream to dress up as a damsel in a magnificent medieval dress? Or hunter in a unique costume from the Iron Age? The preHistorisch Dorp offers a wide selection of beautiful historical clothing to rent or to buy for special occasions. Choose garments from different eras, such as the Stone Age, Middle Ages or the Roman era.
