Teylers Museum

About

Teylers Museum, situated on the banks of the Spaarne in Haarlem, is the world’s oldest art, natural history and science museum. Founded in 1778 by Dutch philanthropist Pieter Teyler van der Hulst as a centre for contemporary art and science, the museum has remained open to the public ever since. Its neoclassical Oval Room, completed in 1784, remains the focal point of the museum and showcases rare mineralogical collections and historic scientific instruments. The museum’s holdings span a remarkable range of disciplines: from the first discovered Archaeopteryx fossil and 18th‑century mineral specimens to an impressive array of paintings by Rembrandt, Guercino and Dutch Romantic masters. Scientific instruments collected by pioneers such as Martinus van Marum illustrate the early experiments in physics that took place within these walls, while the museum’s library and coin and medal collection further underline its rich heritage. Teylers Museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 18:00, with Thursday extended to 20:00 (except January 15). The museum offers family‑friendly programming, interactive displays and guided tours, making it an engaging destination for history enthusiasts, science lovers, art aficionados and families alike.

Highlights

• Oval Room
• Fossils Collection
• Scientific Instruments
• Art Collection

Must-See Areas

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