Museum of Ethnology

Museums

Discover the Wereldmuseum Leiden, where diverse cultures from around the world come together. The museum is part of the National Museum of World Cultures (NMVW), along with Wereldmuseum Amsterdam and Wereldmuseum Berg en Dal. Wereldmuseum Leiden offers an in-depth exploration of global cultures through its rich collection and engaging exhibitions.

Collection and exhibitions
The collection of Wereldmuseum Leiden includes a treasure of objects, each telling a human story. Themes such as celebrating, mourning, decorating, praying, loving, and fighting are presented universally, emphasizing that despite cultural differences, we are all connected as human beings. Although only a small part of the collection is on display in the museum halls, the museum’s collection website offers a view of nearly 450,000 objects, 260,000 photographic images, and 350,000 visual media items.

History and collaboration
Founded in 2017 as part of the NMVW, Wereldmuseum Leiden works closely with other Wereldmusea to preserve and present global cultural histories. The museum in Leiden has a specific focus on themes such as religion, indigenous worlds, and their struggle for independence and historical justice.

Visitor information
Wereldmuseum Leiden is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00. During school holidays and certain public holidays, the museum is also open on Monday. The museum is closed on January 1 (New Year’s Day), April 27 (King’s Day), October 3 (Leidens Ontzet), and December 25 (Christmas Day).

https://leiden.wereldmuseum.nl/

Address and accessibility
Visiting address: Wereldmuseum Leiden, Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS Leiden

Parking: Parking is available at several nearby parking facilities, including the Morspoort garage. The museum is also easily accessible by public transport, just a five-minute walk from NS Station Leiden Centraal.