If you are in Den Bosch, you must (uh, may) go to the National Carnival Museum, Oeteldonks Gemintemuzejum. A cheerful museum that takes you into the world of carnival. Not only in Den Bosch, but worldwide. Located in the former gatehouse of the Zusters van Orthenklooster on the Binnendieze, you will find a colorful collection. From flamboyant masks, glittering costumes, graceful awards, historical prints to thematic weapons and hand tools from carnival traditions all over the world. During the summer months, changing exhibitions are organized here.

One of the museum's greatest assets is the guided tour, provided by enthusiastic carnival guides who passionately tell you about the origins, symbolism and rituals of the festival. You will discover how Oeteldonk – the carnival name for 's-Hertogenbosch – relates to carnival celebrations elsewhere in the Netherlands and beyond. For families there is a youth corner, and for those who want to delve deeper into the storyline of carnival there is an impressive library with hundreds of books, prints, music fragments and international documentation.

The museum is open daily (except Mondays) from approximately 13:00 PM to 17:00 PM; closures are open during major holidays such as Carnival, King's Day and Christmas Day. An individual visit costs around €8,-; children and Museum Card holders receive a discount. Groups are welcome by reservation, with a reduced rate.

Carnival Museum 'Oeteldonks Gemintemuzejum'

If you walk a few rooms further, you will end up in the Design Museum Den Bosch. The museum bridges the gap between technology, art and social themes. No traditional display cases with porcelain here, but stimulating exhibitions about, for example, brutalist architecture, the influence of digital culture or iconic Dutch design. A museum that asks questions, arouses curiosity and makes you think.

And then there is the courtyard. Greener than you would expect, quieter than you would hope and with a café for a nice coffee or lunch among the art. In the spring a sea of ​​flowers, in the summer a sun-drenched resting place, and actually always a reason to linger a little longer.

In short: whether you are looking for Brabant pride or international design culture or just a lovely afternoon of culture with a latte in between. You are in the right place in the Museum Quarter. One ticket, two museums, endless inspiration.

The Design Museum Den Bosch

Do you want something different? From 1 April to 31 October, the Jeroen Bosch Sailing Route on the Binnendieze takes you past the work of Jheronimus Bosch. Who? The best man (also called Jeroen Bosch or Hiëronymus Bosch) was a Southern Dutch painter. During this trip, you will discover his surreal world from the water. This is a tip that is fun for almost any age. You leave from Voldersgat and sail under the city to the Hellegat, a dark and narrow covered area of ​​the Binnendieze. After the trip, it is possible to Hieronymus Bosch Art Center to visit, where you can admire his works as full-size reproductions.