In the centre of Wageningen – some 200 metres from the market place with it’s attractive terraces – you will find the museum De Casteelse Poort. The imposing villa which houses the museum stands on the foundations of what was once the 16th century castle of Wageningen – hence the name.
Remains of the castle, such as the castle wall and the recently restored brewing cellar, can be seen in and around the museum. In a permanent exhibit the museum displays the history of the city and it’s castle. Other subjects are covered by regular or temporary exhibits.
Historic exhibition
Wageningen has a long history of settlement: traces have been found dating from the Stone Age, around 2000 BC. The peasant settlement was in touch with Romans across the Rhine river. In 1263 Wageningen was granted city rights. In the history room there is a large model of the city around 1650, when the fortress was at it’s strongest. Later Wageningen became a city of tabacco cultivation, brick factories, printing works, cigar makers and the agricultural university.
Peace comes to Wageningen in 1945
Both at the beginning and the end of the Second World War the entire population of Wageningen had to be evacuated. In May 1940 the Government decreed that all inhabitants, together with hundreds of cattle, had to descend the river Rhine – in a large fleet of boats – to seek a safer place. In the last months of the war, at the time of the battle of Arnhem, the population was again separated from house and hearth. In 1945 the leaders of the Allied liberating forces and the German occupying forces came to a deserted and severely damaged Wageningen to negotiate the terms of the surrender. This took place in the well known hotel De Wereld. The history of Wageningen during the occupation can be seen in the exhibition ‘Peace comes to Wageningen 1945’.
Here you can see the table and chairs that were used by the negotiators of the surrender. Imagine yourself back in these historic times. Look at the negotiators’ table (photo opportunity!), read the surrender document and see the original fountain pen used by General Foulkes when he added his signature on behalf of the liberators.
For young people
Activities for youngsters are organized on a regular basis. The museum offers special training courses for primary school classes.
Gallery het Koetshuis
As trustee of the cultural heritage of Wageningen the museum has art exhibitions in the gallery called Het Koetshuis ( the carriage house) which is part of the museum. On a regular basis works of art by local en regional artists are shown.
Opening hours
| Wednesday – Sunday | 11.00 – 17.00 hr | |
| Monday – Tuesday | closed |
Holidays
closed
New Year, 5th of May, 1st Christmas and 2nd Christmas day, Liberation day (5th May).
open
Easter Monday 13:00-17:00 hr, Ascencion day,
Kings day (27th April),
Group visits are possible at other times by appointment.
The museum is accessible for wheel chairs (lift, adapted toilet).
Admission
| Adults | € 6,00 |
| Children 6 – 12
Children under supervision |
€ 3,00
Free |
| Museum Card, Friends | Free |
Public Transport
From NS Station Ede-Wageningen there are buses to the bus station in Wageningen. From there it is 10 minute walk. Follow the signs ‘Casteelse Poort’.
Own transport
Wageningen is on the N225 and is easily accessible from the A12, A15 and A50. The museum is at Bowlespark 1a. There is sufficient parking nearby. See also a city plan on the website.
Friends of the Museum
The Society Friends of museum De Casteelse Poort gives financial support to the museum in case of, for example, acquiring expensive items or renovation of the exhibition rooms. Are you interested in the history of Wageningen and in the preservation of its cultural and historic heritage? Join the Friends of the Museum. Membership costs from € 15 per year. Via a news letter issued twice a year members receive information about the exhibitions calendar and new developments. They also have free entry to the museum. Extra information about the Friends is available at the entrance counter of the museum or via vrienden@casteelsepoort.nl.
Please sign up for membership via e-mail to vrienden@casteelsepoort.nl. Please inform us about your full adres.
You may show your interest in the museum by occasional donation to the Friends, which can be sent to the bankaccount of the Friends: NL96 SNSB 094 062 1495, Vrienden van het museum De Casteelse Poort.