Welcome

In the heart of Purmerend, on the Kaasmarkt, you'll find the Purmerends Museum in the former city hall.

The many paintings, prints, books, letters, photos and other objects tell the story of the city of Purmerend, located between the Beemster and Purmer polders, which managed to develop into the heart of the region's fishing, cattle and wood trades from the 14^th century onwards and became a surprising centre for Jugendstil decorative earthenware around the year 1900. In the following years, Purmerend continued to put itself on the map artistically. The famous architects J.J.P. Oud and Mart Stam grew up in Purmerend and left their marks on the city, while graphic designer Jac. Jongert, after his many works in Purmerend, became the designer for Van Nelle's iconic house style in the 1920s and '30s.

The Purmerends Museum is especially renowned for its large collection of Jugendstil earthenware. In the period between 1895 and 1907, there have been four earthenware factories in Purmerend. The pottery and ceramics factories ran by Wed. N.S.A. Brantjes & Co, NV Haga, Jb. Vet & Co and L. Huisenga made vases, statues, tile tableaus and tableware designed by renowned designers, such as August Falise, Chris van der Hoef and Henri Teixeira de Mattos.

The museum also displays temporary exhibitions throughout the year, which often focus on themes related to the history of the city and the region or (hand-painted) ceramics.

In the Museum Shop and Purmerend Tourist Information Office, adjacent to the museum, visitors can find all kinds of information about the city and region, such as maps, flyers and cycling and hiking routes, as well as various local and regional products, books, and small business gifts.