5 reasons to visit Teylers Museum this summer

Celebrate art, science, and summer in Haarlem

In collaboration with Teylers Museum

1. Enjoy summer entertainment in Haarlem

This summer’s programme is richer than ever, featuring a diverse blend of music, spoken word, drawing workshops, site-specific theatre, and interactive tours. Wander into surprise performances throughout the museum, witness a live electrostatic machine demo, or try your hand at life drawing in the style of Michelangelo, writing with sealing wax, or a fun physics course for families. Good food, cold drinks, and summer soundscapes in the museum’s courtyard round out the festival vibe.

2. Marvel at the oldest museum in the Netherlands

Founded in 1784, Teylers Museum still embodies the spirit of Enlightenment thought. With its original 18th-century cabinets, the awe-inspiring Oval Room remains a window into the past and the ideal place to reflect on the museum’s blend of science, art, and curiosity. Every room of the museum speaks to the ideals of founder Pieter Teyler (1702–1778), who believed in progress through knowledge and creativity.

3. Discover secrets during an express masterpieces tour

Short on time? Explore the essence of Teylers Museum in just 30 minutes with the Masterpieces Tour. Sixteen colourfully marked highlights guide you through the museum’s rich history, from romantic paintings and rare books to fossils and groundbreaking scientific instruments. Discover how the peak of Mont Blanc ended up in Haarlem, how 19th-century scientists studied fossils, and the surprising story behind two landscapes in the First Picture Gallery. It’s the perfect way to experience the museum’s collection and spirit at a glance.

4. Experience theatre in unexpected corners

Step into the world of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Hendrik Lorentz with The Lorentz Formula, an immersive performance inside his original laboratory at Teylers Museum. Guided by two actors, you'll explore Lorentz’s recreated study, uncovering his groundbreaking work in electromagnetism and his connection to Einstein. Set among original instruments, including the towering electrostatic generator, this intimate theatre piece brings science history to life in a uniquely atmospheric setting. Performances run throughout the summer.

5. Spark wonder for all ages

This summer, every activity at Teylers Museum is inspired by its three core pillars: science, art, and the progressive ideals of founder Pieter Teyler. From sketching among historic paintings to hands-on workshops and behind-the-scenes tours, the programme encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Whether exploring fossils, mastering classical drawing techniques, or discovering Enlightenment-era inventions, each experience connects to Teyler’s vision of knowledge as a force for personal and social growth - alive and thriving in today’s museum.

Enjoy the Summer in Teylers | 8 July until 1 September 2025 | Teylers Museum