Wereldmuseum Leiden

Do you want to travel the world without leaving the Sleutelstad? Discover the richness and diversity of global cultures at the Wereldmuseum Leiden (formerly known as Museum Volkenkunde). An inspiring and educational outing in the heart of Leiden.

One of the oldest ethnographic museums in the world

The museum, beautifully situated on the canal and just a five-minute walk from Leiden Centraal, is one of the oldest ethnographic museums in the world. The permanent collection and temporary exhibitions show that, despite all our differences, we are enormously connected to one another worldwide.

What you absolutely must not miss here:

Worldwide collections: Wander through halls filled with fascinating objects from Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Arctic, and the Americas, among others. The collection ranges from ancient ritual objects and masks to contemporary art.

The famous Buddha Hall: Experience the serene tranquility in this impressive hall, where a beautiful and unique collection of authentic Buddha statues from Japan takes center stage.

Universal stories: The museum tells the stories behind the objects. Through recognizable human themes such as celebrating, mourning, decorating, and fighting, you will look at the world and yourself with a broader perspective.

Whether you are looking for an educational family outing, are interested in world history, or simply want to be surprised by beautiful objects: the Wereldmuseum in Leiden offers a cultural journey you won't soon forget.