Groninger Museum

The basics

Set on three islands in Groningen’s ring canal, the Groninger Museum is a highlight of sightseeing tours of the city. Its colorful exteriors by the architects Philippe Starck, Michele de Lucchi, and Coop Himmelb(l)au turn heads, but the collection housed inside is also worth a visit. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum has a multimedia info center where visitors can learn more about the works and read art magazines and periodicals.

Things to know before you go

• A visit to the Groninger Museum is a must for architecture enthusiasts and lovers of edgy contemporary art and design.

• The museum has several services, including a design-forward coffee shop, restaurant, and colorful gift shop.

• Kids are welcome at the museum, which holds hands-on workshops and family-friendly programs on many weekends throughout the year.

• There are elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

How to get there

The museum is perched on three islands in the canal that circles the city center, just opposite Groningen’s train station, and within easy walking or cycling distance of the main sights. Travel to the northern city of Groningen from Amsterdam by train or car in about two and a half hours.

When to get there

Groninger Museum is closed on Mondays but stays open most holidays; visit on a weekday to avoid the Saturday and Sunday crowds. The museum hosts a wide range of world-class temporary exhibits throughout the year, so check the website for updated information about shows and events.

Contemporary architecture in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has long been a hotbed of contemporary architecture, and its historic cities are peppered with remarkable modern buildings. In addition to the Groninger Museum, architecture buffs should visit Rotterdam’s Cube Houses and Netherlands Architecture Institute, The Berlage architecture institute in Delft, and Amsterdam’s Silodam built to resemble stacked shipping containers.