Heerenveen Museum tells the story of Heerenveen through objects and narrative accounts. Learn about the haggling that went on between the local authorities and the humorous incidents that occurred around local authority borders. Find out how Heerenveen emerged as a town where the Frisian nobility built lavish residences that led the town to be called The Hague of Friesland. Also see how the other half lived and learn about the harsh working conditions of the peat cutters and farm labourers.
Heerenveen is the birthplace of all kinds of things, from idyllic settings to art, from silver to Olympic champions. For those interested in sport, the collection includes old equipment used during tournaments at the Thialf ice rink (you can even ring the bell that signalled the end of the round!) and tells the story of local football legend Abe Lenstra. Art lovers will be thrilled to see works by Jan Mankes, the Bottema brothers, Willem van Althuis and Boele Bregman. And then there is the nostalgic Zolder van Pake collection up in the attic, which is always a firm favourite. There is even a chance to rummage around in a 19th-century pharmacy, now the museum shop, for artifacts and souvenirs of Friesland.
As part of Heerenveen Museum, the Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis Museum is dedicated to one of the most fascinating figures in recent Dutch history. Domela Nieuwenhuis (1846-1919), the father of Dutch socialism, was the most loved and hated person of his day.
