What to do in Groningen?
Museums:
GroningenMuseum
The GroningenMuseum is located opposite the main central station and is one of the most high-profile museums in the Netherlands. This is due not only to its striking design by Italian architect Mendini, but also because of varying exhibitions, including works by Russian painter Repin, American photographer Andres Serrano, and Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf. The permanent collection consists of a large assembly of porcelain and works by the Groningen artists’ collective De Ploeg.
Open: Tuesday through Sunday and holidays from 10 am until 5 pm (the box office closes at 4.45 pm). In July and August on Mondays from 1-5 pm. Closed: Mondays, 25 December, and 1 January.
Nederlands Strip Museum (Dutch Comic strip Museum)
The Nederlands Stripmuseum is the newest museum in Groningen, and the only one in the Netherlands that highlights comic strips. See comic strip heroes such as Suske en Wiske, Jan, Jans en de kinderen, Dirkjan, and many more. The museum has been divided into special halls for children, adults, and connoisseurs. In addition to an extensive collection of old and new comic strips, there are regular changing exhibitions. See how comic strips are produced; sometimes, you can see a strip cartoonist at work.
Open: Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm; closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Sights:
Martini church and tower
The most important Groningen monument is the Martini tower which has overlooked the city for over five hundred years. This fourth highest tower of the Netherlands can be climbed until the third gallery, during which visitors can also communicate with the tower via their mobile telephones! Afterwards, see the Martini church, the largest church in Groningen. Originating from approximately 1230, it includes frescos from the 13th century, and one of the largest Baroque organs in northwest Europe. Ask about the church’s opening hours prior to your visit.
Prinsenhof and Prinsentuin
During recent years, Radio/TV Noord was accommodated in the Prinsenhof, but they moved a short while ago. Originally used as a monastery, a suitable function for this complex is now being looked for. Behind the Prinsenhof is the Prinsenhoftuin, which includes a rose garden and herb garden, and a footpath covered with foliage (berceau). The garden, surrounded by a wall, is one of the best examples of a Renaissance garden in the Netherlands. The Prinsenhoftuin garden is opened from early April to half-October from 10 am to sunset. The tearoom is open during fine weather.
Goudkantoor (gold office)
Originally a provincial tax office, this building was built in 1635. With its lavishly decorated façades, it was the last Renaissance style building to be constructed in Groningen. It was given the name of Goudkantoor in the 19th century when the “bureau of security for gold and silver” was located here, and it is now a café/restaurant.
