The museum is built on the site of a former sandy soil quarry where numerous significant fossils have been discovered.
The outdoor 'Oertijdtuin' includes a replica of a primitive landscape designed to mirror the actual ecological conditions of the Mesozoic era.
The collection includes a diverse range of fossils, from microscopic plankton to complete skeletal remains of large marine reptiles.
It hosts an active paleontology lab where visitors can watch experts clean and stabilize fragile fossilized remains.
The museum serves as an important site for local historical preservation, documenting the geological shifts of the Brabant region.
Many of the specimens on display were unearthed by the museum's own professional and volunteer field teams.
The Oertijdmuseum is one of the largest geological and paleontological museums in the Netherlands, specializing in the prehistoric life of the Benelux region. Located in Boxtel, the museum grounds feature a dedicated 'Oertijdtuin' (Prehistoric Garden) spanning several hectares. This outdoor area contains life-sized dinosaur reconstructions set within a landscape of plants that have remained largely unchanged since the Cretaceous period. Inside the museum, the collection focuses on fossils, minerals, and gemstones discovered in the southern Netherlands. It serves as a research facility with its own laboratory for fossil preparation and restoration. The museum functions as a center for paleontology, frequently involving local volunteers in excavation projects. Visitors can observe the fossil preparation process firsthand. The exhibits trace the evolution of life from the Cambrian to the end of the Pleistocene epoch.
The life-sized dinosaur models positioned along the pathways in the Prehistoric Garden.
Prioritize exploring the outdoor Prehistoric Garden first if the weather is favorable.
Allocate time to watch the live fossil preparation work in the laboratory area.
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, especially for walking the trails in the outdoor garden.
Attempting to touch the display specimens in the indoor halls, as many are fragile or part of ongoing study.
Closed on Mondays; check for seasonal variations in outdoor garden access during mid-winter.
