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The Princenhage museum: where history and contemporary art meet

  • Princenhage
  • Art
  • cultuur
‘t Aogje, Princenhage, nowadays everyone knows the village of Breda. You can live there comfortably or enjoy a nice walk. At the site where the residence of the gatekeeper of the Protestant cemetery Haagveld used to be, you now find the Princenhaags museum. This is a place where art, heritage, and communities come together. In the heart of the historic village of Princenhage, this museum tells stories that bring the past to life while also giving a place to local artists of today.

The origin of the museum

1993 marked the start of the Princenhaags museum, when a group of enthusiastic residents decided to preserve the rich history of Princenhage. 

The reason? The annexation by Breda in 1942 and the subsequent construction projects in the 1970s, such as Princenhage West 1 and 2, which slowly surrounded the old village centre. With the aim of preserving local identity and history, the idea emerged to establish a museum. Exhibitions took place at various locations, but over the years the museum found a permanent home. A base of its own, where the history of Princenhage is cherished, next to the Haagveld cemetery. 

Exhibitions, heritage and more

The Princenhaags museum is known for its diversity of exhibitions. Since its move in 2018 to the porter's lodge of Haagveld, complemented by a specially built exhibition space, the museum offers an engaging programme year-round. 

There are two permanent heritage exhibitions each year, focused on topics that are closely linked to the current events and history of Princenhage. For example, in 2025, the 100th anniversary of the beekeepers' association Haghe will be central. In collaboration with partners, an exhibition will be organised about the crucial role of bees in biodiversity. This will be on display in April, May, and June. Later that year, in October, November, and December, the focus will shift to the 50th anniversary of primary school Eerste Rith, with a broader look at education in Princenhage through the ages. 

Additionally, the museum provides a platform for high-quality art exhibitions. Artists from Princenhage and Breda, with an academic background, have the opportunity to showcase their work. Every month, new artists surprise the audience, completely free of charge! This makes art accessible to everyone and allows visitors to explore the diverse art scene of Breda. 

An exhibition that made a difference

The museum has organised many special exhibitions over the years, but one of the most memorable was the exhibition about Heilaarstraat, known as ‘het Kerkstraatje’ in Princenhage. This exhibition not only attracted many visitors but also brought together former residents. It even resulted in reunions that strengthened the sense of community. An example of how the museum not only preserves history but also builds a bridge between the past and the present.

A must-visit

Although nothing is mandatory, the Princenhaags museum offers a unique experience. The combination of local history and high-quality art exhibitions makes it a special destination. The museum is now in its 38th art exhibition and continues to innovate. 

Here, you will not only discover the history of Princenhage but also get to know emerging and established artists. The free admission policy lowers the threshold and makes it possible for everyone to immerse themselves in culture. A visit to the museum is an opportunity to be surprised by the stories and talents of the region. 

Princenhaags museum

The future of the museum

The future of the Princenhaags museum looks promising. With a waiting list until 2027, artists are now lining up to exhibit. Collaborations with renowned institutions such as the Stedelijk Museum Breda, the Van Goghhuis in Zundert, and BredaPhoto strengthen the position of the museum. 

A dream for the future

A grand dream of the museum has already been partially realised: an art space in Princenhage, made possible by the support of many involved residents of Princenhage. But the ambitions reach further. The museum aims to provide young artists with a springboard and help them organise accessible exhibitions. This is a mission that is already starting to bear fruit.

The Princenhage museum is a vibrant place where history and art come together, a place where stories are shared and dreams are fulfilled. Whether you love heritage, are curious about art, or just want to discover something new: this museum has something to offer everyone. It is much more than just a place for exhibitions – it is a meeting place where stories are shared and creative dreams take shape. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply curious: a visit to the museum is more than worth it.