Don’t Miss The Archeology Museum Haarlem: Free and Fun!

A visit to Grote Markt in Haarlem, Netherlands is a must, but did you know there’s a free museum on the square that makes for a perfect place to let kids learn about archeology? Not only fun, but also educational and bonus, it’s FREE, do not miss Archeologisch Museum Haarlem when you’re in the area.

Grote Markt can have have a lot going on depending what day you visit and by and large, in our experience, the Archeology Museum Haarlem is an overlooked respite from the crowds. Whether you are interested in historical goods and bones found in digs, or just need a break, get ready to step into history in Haarlem.

Archeologisch Museum Haarlem, Haarlem, Netherlands

Looking for things to do with kids in Haarlem? Get ready to dig in:

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Basic Info

Address: Grote Markt 18K, 2011 RD, Haarlem, Netherlands
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 1:00pm ~ 5:00pm
Admission: Free

A Basement Full Of Archeology

Located in a basement of Vleeshal, a centuries old building, on Grote Markt just next to the Frans Hals Museum HAL, in Haarlem, Netherlands, it’s a little hidden gem and often overlooked by visitors.

The oldest known remains of human habitation in Haarlem date from the last centuries of the New Stone Age. During this time people in Haarlem had a nomadic lifestyle of hunting, fishing and gathering; the dunes were an excellent hunting ground, roamed by red deer, boar, and otters. Look for flint tools, blades, and arrowheads from the this time before moving on to the Bronze Age.

The Bronze Age brought a surge in handmade earthenware in the archaeological record around this period, pottery that had been kneaded from one lump of clay or built using rolls of clay – much like we do today. These pots were often decorated with impressions of finger tips, reed, shells, or even brush strokes.

Check out the next installation with Iron Age information. If you don’t read or speak Dutch, but sure to pick up the very informative guide that translates everything into English. You can pick it up at the information desk in the center of the space.

From Medieval finds to skeletal remains, there are a lot of artifacts to peruse. Be sure to look for the oldest Haarlemmer. The 11th century skeleton was found during the archeological investigations in nearby Saint Bavo Church.

In the back, there are clothes to try on and take pictures with and then circling back around, you’ll come to some great activities for kids. Get ready to dig in… literally.

Get The Kids To Dig In

This is where the kids will want to spend the most time. There are puzzles to put together, a sandpit with remnants they need to dig out, and their own investigative archeological digs to partake in. If you do all of the activities, your kids can also get a certificate of archeological completion.

We stopped into the Archeology Museum Haarlem not expecting too much honestly, and had a great hour exploring history, learning about Haarlem, and investigating. It’s a great place to take kids in Haarlem.

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