Het Spoorwegmuseum

Het Spoorwegmuseum, or the Dutch Railway Museum, is nestled in the charming city of Utrecht, Netherlands. This fascinating museum, housed in the historic Maliebaan station, offers visitors a journey through the rich history of Dutch railways. Since its establishment in 1954, the museum has grown to become a beloved attraction, drawing railway enthusiasts, families, and curious tourists from all over the world.

The History of Het Spoorwegmuseum

The story of Het Spoorwegmuseum begins in 1927 with the founding of the Stichting Nederlandsch Spoorwegmuseum. Initially, the collection was housed in a building of the Dutch Railways in Utrecht, which has since been demolished. The museum officially opened its doors on December 1, 1928, showcasing a modest collection of photographs, documentation, and railway equipment. Over the years, the collection grew, and in 1935, the museum moved to the NS-Hoofdgebouw in Moreelsepark.

During the 1930s, efforts were made to preserve historically significant railway equipment. However, the outbreak of World War II led to the loss of part of the collection. In 1941, the museum had to vacate its premises, and the collection found a temporary home in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. After the war, the collection was stored in Amsterdam Central Station until a new location could be found.

In 1951, FQ den Hollander, the then president of the Dutch Railways, designated the Maliebaan station in Utrecht as the new home for the museum. The station, which had been closed since 1939, underwent renovations, and the museum officially reopened on November 5, 1954. The spacious new location allowed the museum to display its collection to the public more effectively, including historic locomotives on the station's tracks.

Expansions and Renovations

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the museum's collection continued to grow, with additional rolling stock displayed on the station's forecourt. However, exposure to the elements took its toll on the exhibits. In 1975, a platform with a roof was constructed in the rear area, followed by an extension with a second platform in 1977. A footbridge over the still-operational freight tracks allowed visitors to access the rear area, which was redesigned with a railway landscape.

In 1988-1989, the museum underwent a major renovation, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of Dutch railways. The interior of the station building was completely revamped, featuring a large cinema in the central hall and a walkway connecting the right and left wings. This walkway guided visitors through the chronological development of railways, from early canal boats to modern high-speed trains.

The 1990s saw further additions, including a goods shed from 1881, a new building with a large miniature railway, and the Holland Rail Show, a multimedia spectacle centered around the Thalys high-speed train. The museum's rolling stock collection was largely restored during this period, with efforts to build a fully covered exhibition space to protect the exhibits.

The 2003 Renovation

In 2002, director Paul van Vlijmen spearheaded a radical renovation of the museum. The 1874 station building was emptied and restored to its 19th-century state, including the addition of the royal waiting room from the demolished Den Haag Staatsspoor station. The rear area was also cleared and redesigned, with a new museum building constructed to resemble a 19th-century railway workshop. This new building houses the museum's extensive collection of trains and locomotives.

The surrounding landscape was transformed into a railway-themed park, featuring a terrace, children's playground, jumbo express, turntable, maze, event space, and a water tower. The museum also introduced a broad-gauge track for the steam locomotive De Arend, extended in 2014 to the marshalling yard.

The Museum Experience

Het Spoorwegmuseum offers a unique and immersive experience, guiding visitors through the history of railways in a series of themed worlds. These worlds represent significant periods in railway development, each with its own historical, social, romantic, or technological focus. From the early days of railway discovery to the modern era, the museum's attractions include scenic rides, interactive exhibits, and simulations.

The museum's new formula, introduced in 2005, emphasizes entertainment and education, catering to a broad audience, including families and corporate groups. The collection serves as a backdrop for this engaging experience, with information available in the museum guide, which can be purchased at the ticket office.

Exploring the Museum

Visitors to Het Spoorwegmuseum can explore various parts of the historic station building, including the station hall, goods alley control room, refreshment room, third-class waiting room, first and second-class waiting rooms, and the royal waiting room. The new museum building features a business school and foyer, theater, workshop, depot, central hall, themed worlds with exhibitions, open depots, library, museum shop, and model attic.

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a fun and educational outing, Het Spoorwegmuseum in Utrecht offers a captivating journey through the world of railways. With its rich history, interactive exhibits, and beautiful setting, the museum provides an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.