May holiday: April 28 to May 5
It's time for the May holiday again! From April 28th to May 5th, many historical inhabitants are ready to let you experience history. You won't just listen and watch, but you'll mainly be doing things! Every step takes you to a different period from the past: from hunting in prehistory to the crafts of the Middle Ages. With our brand new activity booklet in your hands, you'll definitely know your way around our open-air museum.
Experience history up close
The preHistorisch Dorp in Eindhoven is the replica of a prehistoric and medieval village, complete with dwellings and demonstrations of skills used by historic people. The open-air museum recreates life from this and later eras. Experience history by discovering the museum by yourself. On your way, you’ll meet hunters from the Stone Age, farmers from prehistoric times, and craftsmen from the Middle Ages. Stop for a chat and be amazed by their stories about daily life in the past.
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.
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!
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!
An 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 give your eyes a good look. 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 archeology and our history.
Two months in the Middle Ages
The artisans' house in the preHistorisch Dorp was inhabited day and night from 1 July until 27 August. For eight weeks, one woman was cooking, washing, eating and sleeping there. What did life look like in the Middle Ages? Which challenges do a medieval house and its surroundings offer? What do you eat and how do you prepare it? What do you do for light? Where do you sleep? Which domestic tasks do you perform? Read the diary and re-live Yvonne's adventures in the Middle Ages.
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.
The inn: open daily
Our restaurant, Herberg 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, sandwiches, salads, and much more. You have also come to the right place for hot dishes or a refreshing drink.
School trips
Schools can experience various historical trips in the preHistorisch Dorp. You can choose from a number of educational programmes for two and three day school camps with a prehistorical or medieval programme or a 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. In our museum, you'll truly bring schoolbooks to life!
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!
