Museums across the Netherlands continued to attract growing crowds last year, bringing visitor numbers close to the levels seen before the pandemic.
International visitors made up 27 percent of all museum visits, with major art museums in North Holland proving especially popular among tourists. Young people also remained engaged, accounting for 6.1 million visits by those under 18.
The Museum Card reached a new record, with cardholders making nearly 9.7 million visits, representing almost a third of all museum attendance nationwide.
The sector generated €1.38 billion in revenue, slightly more than the year before. Around half came from ticket sales, museum shops, and other self-generated income, while public subsidies accounted for the remainder. History museums made up the majority of institutions affiliated with the Museum Association, followed by art museums.
The figures are based on data from 492 museums affiliated with the Museum Association. Education, Culture and Science Minister Rianne Letschert welcomed the results, saying the rebound highlights the enduring appeal of museums as places for learning, reflection, and cultural connection. She added that museums help people better understand the past, explore new perspectives, and bring communities together.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
