Culture in Zwolle

Admiring art in Zwolle

Are you crazy about art? Then Museum de Fundatie is a real must-visit! This museum has a diverse collection of visual arts, including beautiful paintings and impressive sculptures. In addition to the permanent museum collection, there are always changing exhibitions to admire here. What makes Museum de Fundatie so unique is that the art collection includes almost all existing art movements. So every visitor will find a work of art that appeals to him or her. Tip: on Saturday evening you have free admission to Museum de Fundatie!

There are also several galleries and exhibitions in Zwolle. Galerie Delfi Form is located in an old guild house, where you can see beautiful contemporary art nowadays. IQ Kunstuitleen & Galerie can be found outside the center of Zwolle, but is highly recommended for art lovers. IQ is namely the largest art library and gallery in the Netherlands. You will not get bored here!

Theater & music in Zwolle

Zwolle has, with great pride, the theaters Odeon and De Spiegel. Cabaret, dance, musicals, theater, many kinds of music: there is something here for everyone! Also for children and families both theaters have a wide range of performances. Unique to De Spiegel is that it is the only theater in the Netherlands with a moveable ceiling!

Let yourself be surprised in the Herman Brood Museum

A real must is the Herman Brood Museum in Zwolle. You'll find musical instruments, photos and, of course, the beautiful artwork of the Dutch rock 'n' roll legend. Besides admiring his work, you can also take a Bread Walk and attend a Bread Style Workshop. During the Brood Walk you will walk past all the places in Zwolle that were important to the artist, who was born in Zwolle. And at the end of your visit to this museum you can also score a cool souvenir in the museum shop!

The Women's Museum

The Women's Museum is a unique museum that takes you back to the years 1680 to 1980. From 1742 this Vrouwenhuis in Zwolle served as a shelter for single, elderly women who were part of the Reformed Church. When you step into this museum, it feels like you are going back in time. You will learn how the Vrouwenhuis came to be and what it was like to live in Zwolle around this time. Currently the Vrouwenhuis is under restoration, but from 2022 this special museum in Zwolle can be visited again!

Cultural buildings in Zwolle

Besides all the museums and theaters in Zwolle, there are also some beautiful buildings and monuments to be found that should not be missing from this list. Culture can be found everywhere in Zwolle! Visit for example the Peperbus: the figurehead of Zwolle. After 236 steps you will be surprised by a magnificent view of Zwolle. The Sassenpoort is also a monument rich in history and culture. Learn all about the origins of this building and climb up the medieval tower stairs! Finally, The Great or St. Michael's Church is a true cultural pearl in Zwolle. Feast your eyes on the church and learn all about Zwolle and the church during one of the tours.

Cultural trips with children

Zwolle also offers many fun cultural outings for (young) children! For example, the Sinterklaas Museum and the Bonami Game Computer Museum are very nice museums in Zwolle to visit with children. At home with Molletje is a real favorite with young children. This children's theater in Zwolle offers fun performances, where you are taken into the adventures of Mol and his friends.