City Museum Vianen

The Dutch Rivierengebied is known for its beautiful landscape, but since the early Middle Ages it has also been known for its annual fairs with 'live stock'. A number of towns like Vianen were allowed to call themselves 'free cities' from the 16th to the 18th century. With their own jurisdiction, they formed an open society where refugees and migrants could go who got into trouble elsewhere.

Curious about the stories and backgrounds? Stedelijk Museum Vianen links its historical collection to an exciting collection of contemporary art, telling the story of freedom and tolerance in the past and present.

The highlight of the collection is a series of portraits of the Brederode family that ruled the region for centuries. There are also spectacular archaeological finds on display from Roman to Napoleonic times. Besides the permanent presentation, there are exhibitions and lectures on current themes.

About Stedelijk Museum Vianen

Located in an old 16th-century mansion, the museum is right in the city's historic centre. During the Reformation, the upper floor of the building housed a refuge church where the practice of the Catholic faith was allowed. This can still be recognised in the wooden ceiling painted with Christian symbolism.

See more monuments in Vianen.