The Utrecht canals with their wharves and wharf cellars are unique in the world.
The 12th Century Oudegracht was built to change the course of the Oude Rijn river. Connecting the river Vecht in the north to the Vaartsche Rijn in the south, the Oudegracht was destined to become an elongated harbour. Large city castles were built along the canal and in the 13th Century, shipyards were built as second streets at water level. The deep cellars, serving as storage spaces, ran through to below the houses. Today, the canals and shipyards are home to shops, restaurants and private residences.
Oudegracht 0
3511 AZ Utrecht
Centraal Museum
Centraal Museum
The Centraal Museum is your gateway to art and culture from the world of Utrecht. From Rietveld to the Utrecht Caravaggists, from Dick Bruna to Moesman and from Viktor & Rolf to the centuries-old Utrecht ship. A museum which leaves you inspired time after time. The museum has been housed in this medieval cloister on the Nicolaaskerkhof since 1921 and currently consists of an eclectic collection of buildings with a large courtyard at their centre. It’s a lovely place to wander through hallways and stairwells, and where you can be surprised by the various exhibitions.
Collection The museum has the largest collection of Rietveld pieces in the world, and shows the work of the world-famous Dick Bruna. The collection of old art is also worthwhile with work from Jan van Scorel, Abraham Bloemaert and Hendrick ten Brugghen. Besides the work of those Dutch icons, the Centraal Museum provides a broad overview of 2.000 years turbulent history, is also the ‘present’ a central theme with current fashion, design and visual art are high on the agenda.
Studio Dick Bruna A special part of the Central Museum is the studio of Dick Bruna, one of the Netherlands’ most famous illustrators and graphic designers. For the last 30 years of his career, he worked at his studio in the centre of Utrecht daily. This was where he created his illustrations and stories, surrounded by personal memories, photos of memorable encounters, gifts from fans and letters from fellow artists.
Online tickets Skip the queue and order your tickets online. You will receive your ticket by email and showing it on your smartphone at the entrance of the museum is sufficient.