The museum building, Hof van Heeckeren, was originally constructed in the 17th century as a private city palace for the nobility.
The Stedelijk Museum collection includes a rare 14th-century drinking horn, which is considered one of the highlights of the medieval exhibits.
The Museum Henriette Polak was founded by Henriette Polak-Eltzbacher, a Dutch art collector who wanted to promote figurative art in a time dominated by abstraction.
The site hosts artifacts recovered from the river IJssel, providing insight into Zutphen's past as a strategic Hanseatic city.
The museum complex underwent a major renovation and consolidation in 2017 to bring both institutions under one roof.
Musea Zutphen is a dual-institution facility housed within the historic Hof van Heeckeren, combining the Stedelijk Museum Zutphen and the Museum Henriette Polak. The Stedelijk Museum focuses on the cultural history of the city and the surrounding Achterhoek region, featuring archeological finds from the Middle Ages. The Museum Henriette Polak is dedicated to Dutch figurative art, housing a significant collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the 20th and 21st centuries. The building itself is a restored 17th-century mansion, offering a blend of period architecture and modern exhibition spaces. Visitors can explore local history, including the city's Hanseatic legacy, alongside high-quality modern art displays. The museums share a single entrance and are integrated into the city's old town center.
The elegant 17th-century interior staircase and the view overlooking the 's-Gravenhof square.
Combine your visit with a walking tour of Zutphen's historic city center to see the medieval layout.
Check the temporary exhibition schedule online, as the museum frequently rotates displays in its dedicated project spaces.
Do not rush; the museum is meant to be viewed as a narrative of local history and art, which is best experienced at a moderate pace.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching the exhibited artworks and artifacts.
