Railway Museum

The Spoorwegmuseum, located in the historic Maliebaan station on the Oosterspoorweg since 1954, is a unique place where the history of rail transport in the Netherlands comes to life. Built in 1874, this beautiful station is not only a museum, but also still serves as a functioning railway station. Visitors can easily reach the museum with a train ride from Utrecht Centraal, an experience that perfectly matches the museum's theme.

One of the most striking exhibits at the Spoorwegmuseum is the replica of the first Dutch steam locomotive, De Arend. This replica, accurately recreated from the 1839 original, takes visitors back to the early days of rail transport. It symbolises technological progress and the impact the arrival of the steam train had on Dutch society and economy.

At the museum, visitors will find a wide range of railway artefacts, including trains, tracks and other equipment. Each of these objects contributes to the story of the evolution of railway transport in the Netherlands. The interactive exhibitions make learning about this history engaging and accessible to all ages.

The museum's unique location in a former railway station adds an extra dimension to the experience. The Maliebaan station itself is a historical monument, exuding the atmosphere and architecture of early railway history. This makes the Railway Museum not only a place of learning, but also of experiencing.

Besides the permanent collection and exhibitions, the Railway Museum offers various activities. Visitors can enjoy train rides on historic locomotives, including steam trains, and experience for themselves what it is like to drive a train in a train simulator. This interactive and hands-on approach enriches the museum experience.