Sniffing culture in Nijmegen

Nijmegen is one of the oldest cities in our country and therefore has a lot to offer culturally. The city has had city rights for 1900 years (!) and there is tremendous evidence that the Romans had established Nijmegen as an administrative and economic center. At the time, Nijmegen was called Oppidum Batavorum Noviomagus. In addition, traces have been found dating back to the Bronze and Ice Ages. In this blog, we look at the culture in Nijmegen.

Modern city walks

The great thing about Nijmegen is that they especially focus on young people when it comes to culture. For example, there are city walks “especially” for young people. Of course, anyone can use them to get to know the city. These booklets are available for free at the VVV of Nijmegen (located at Grote Markt 17) and at the various museums. City walks are also organized by guides. An example are the city walks organized by Gilde Nijmegen. They have several historical city walks. For example, the city walk in the historic city hall is very nice (and exciting!) because you then also visit the prisons of the old city hall. A place you don’t normally visit. Do you prefer to go out on your own? Then use Walk the City’s walking app, for example. This app is easy to download and use and takes you to the most interesting places in the city.

Museums in Nijmegen

You can find different kinds of museums in Nijmegen: from art to history, from museums about the Second World War to medical museums. In short, there is an interesting museum for everyone in the city! And what better place to soak up culture in Nijmegen than in a museum?

Museum de Bastei

Located along the river Waal you will find Museum de Bastei. This museum teaches you everything about nature and culture around this river. The building itself is also special because it is housed in a 16th century defense tower. From the museum restaurant you have a fantastic view of the Waal Bridge. In the museum you will find, among other things, parts of old buildings, found skeletal remains of animals and learn all about the former inhabitants of the city.

Van Lymborgh Brothers House

Nijmegen is home to the birthplace of Dutch painting! The Van Lymborgh Brothers’ House was home to the family studio of the three Van Lymborgh brothers 600 years ago. They are also called the Rembrandts of the Middle Ages. Herman, Paul and Johan van Lymborch created beautiful medieval works in the medieval cellars of the building. All three unfortunately died at a young age from the effects of the Black Death. This makes their story not only tragic but also exciting.

The Valkhof Museum

The Valkhof Museum is currently under renovation, so unfortunately only a pop-up museum can be visited at this time. The highlights of the collection are therefore not on display right now. The museum will reopen in 2026. However, interesting temporary exhibitions can be seen, each telling another piece of the city’s rich history.

Infocentre WW2 Nijmegen

Nijmegen had a hard time during the Second World War. Get a good picture of major historical events such as Operation Market Garden and the Rhineland Offensive, both of which had a major impact on the city. For kids, there’s a real true mystery where they look for clues to reunite the Van Noordenburg family after they lost track of each other through the violence of war.

Museum of Anatomy and Pathology

On the grounds of Radboud UMC, you will find a very special museum that may not be entirely suitable for everyone. The Museum of Anatomy and Pathology houses specimens of human beings. By examining bodies of deceased people, doctors have learned a lot about the human body, abnormalities and much more. The museum is free to anyone interested in the human body, and for children there is an educational scavenger hunt.

Other interesting Nijmegen museums

Other interesting and fun museums in Nijmegen include the House of Nijmegen History, where you can learn even more about the city’s history. At MuZIEum you can find out what it is like to be visually impaired. There are also worthwhile museums in surrounding towns, such as the Freedom Museum and the Africa Museum in Berg en Dal. Or visit Kasteel Ammersoyen in Maasdriel.

Historical highlights of Nijmegen

Besides visiting museums in Nijmegen, you can also get to know the city culturally by taking a look at or inside the city’s historic buildings.

The Stevenskerk

The Stevenskerk in Nijmegen was built 800 years ago and is literally the heart of the city. Even though the church no longer has a denomination, it has not lost its original function. But it also hosts events such as exhibitions, concerts, lectures and much more. You can view the church on your own, join a guided tour and climb the tower. During World War II, the church was heavily damaged so you can see both new and old parts on the outside. If you are looking for culture in Nijmegen, a visit to the Stevenskerk should not be missed!

The Waagh on the Grote Markt

When you walk from the church under the gate to the Grote Markt, you end up on a pleasant square with the Waagh on your left. Originally built between 1612 and 1613, the Waagh is perhaps the city’s most beautiful building. In the 17th century, the building was used for weighing goods, but the building also took over some of the duties of the nearby City Hall. In addition, the Civil Guard was based in the building and the butchers’ guild was given an apartment there. Today it is a restaurant and cozy city cafe where you can plop down on the terrace and people watch.

The Valkhofbunker

The Valkhofbunker can be found in the Valkhofpark, where, among other things, you will also find the ancient remains of several castles. The bunker itself is the only bunker remaining from World War II. A fierce battle was fought around the bunker during Operation Market Garden. When you visit the bunker you will learn all about the time of the German occupation, the deployment of the Allies and the resistance of the people of Nijmegen. A mandatory piece of culture in Nijmegen, if you want to get to know the city better.

In short, Nijmegen has a lot to offer for all culture lovers!

Photos: OpstapmetLisa