Utrecht Centraal Museum

The Centraal Museum is Utrecht’s cultural centerpiece, housed in a former medieval convent. It presents a diverse mix of historic, modern, and contemporary art, design, and fashion. Key highlights include the Utrecht Caravaggists, Rietveld’s Red and Blue Chair, and Dick Bruna’s Miffy. The museum blends regional identity with national relevance through thought-provoking exhibitions. Its collection spans from medieval altarpieces to cutting-edge installations. Visitors can enjoy a sculpture garden, stylish café, and peaceful inner courtyard. The museum also oversees the nearby Nijntje Museum, ideal for families with children. Exhibits explore themes like identity, space, and storytelling through visual media. Located in the city center, it's easily walkable from Utrecht’s canals and historic sites. Perfect for design lovers, families, and culturally curious visitors.

Opening hours

🕒 Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00

How to get there

Agnietenstraat 1, 3512 XA Utrecht

Prices from

From €15.00

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Located in the heart of one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, the Centraal Museum Utrecht offers a deeply rooted yet refreshingly modern look at Dutch art, culture, and design. As the oldest municipal museum in the country, it brings together everything from medieval treasures to avant-garde fashion under one roof—each piece with a uniquely Utrecht perspective.

🖼️ Exhibitions & Collections

The museum boasts a broad and eclectic collection that reflects the city’s creative spirit, including:

Baroque paintings by the Utrecht Caravaggists, inspired by the dramatic light of Caravaggio
Original furniture and models by design pioneer Gerrit Rietveld, including the iconic Red and Blue Chair
The charming universe of Dick Bruna, creator of the beloved bunny Miffy (Nijntje)
Medieval religious art, 19th-century portraits, and cutting-edge contemporary installations

Rotating exhibitions regularly explore themes of identity, space, and the evolving role of art in society.

📚 What Can Visitors Learn?

The museum offers layered insights into:

The cultural legacy of Utrecht in shaping Dutch visual arts
How religious, political, and social themes influenced regional creativity
The role of Utrecht as a bridge between historical tradition and modern experimentation
Contemporary voices and how artists respond to today’s global issues

Through thematic storytelling and interactive displays, visitors can discover how past and present interconnect.

🏛️ Architecture & Setting

Housed in a former 16th-century convent, the Centraal Museum artfully blends historic architecture with modern extensions. Its inviting interior includes bright galleries, a sculpture garden, and a cozy museum café. The museum’s proximity to Utrecht’s charming canals, the Nijntje Museum (just across the street), and the city center makes it easy to include in a cultural day out.