Prehistorisch Dorp
Netherlands
Prehistorisch Dorp
Boutenslaan 161B
5644TV Eindhoven
Netherlands
(+31) 40-2522281
Member since: 2001
Focus area: Iron Age, Early Middle Ages, Late Middle Ages
In 1981, a group of teachers got the idea of reconstructing a farm where children would be taught in prehistoric themes: learning by doing. Ever since, the preHistorisch Dorp has developed into an archaeological open air museum of 2 hectares with about 20,000 schoolchildren and 50,000 tourists visiting annually.
At the preHistorisch Dorp, interpreters dressed in historical clothes bring the history of this province to life, going about everyday tasks and interacting with visitors in programs and workshops. These might include learning to make a fire as prehistoric people did, baking bread on a stick, or learning how to make a Roman fibula (garment pin). Prehistoric farming methods, hand weaving and spinning, metalwork, and other skills are demonstrated and discussed here.
The museum is open for tourists between April and October from Tuesday to Friday. During the week, the focus is on education groups, whereas weekend and holidays are targeted at tourists. Although very engaging for children, this is an experience for all ages. Signs are in English as well as Dutch. There is a free audio tour available at the reception.
Institutional Representatives
Ward Rennen
Director
Specialised in museum and heritage innovation, management and strategic advice in the cultural sector, creating partnerships in culture, education, politics and business, strategic communication and place branding.
Yvonne Lammers-Keijsers
Head of Presentation
Specialised in Experimental Archaeology (Functional Analysis, Leiden University), public outreach in archaeology, specifically through Living History (Open-Air Museum Education), exhibitions, film, and edugames.