Ruurlo Castle — Attraction in Berkelland

Ruurlo Castle is a place where history meets art and nature. As you approach, you are greeted by a picturesque view: well-kept alleys, ponds with water lilies, and a historic park that’s perfect for a stroll before or after visiting the museum. The grounds are meticulously maintained – colorful flower beds, neatly trimmed lawns, and quiet spots where you can sit on a bench and soak in the atmosphere.

The castle itself is impressive with its elegant towers, symmetrical facades, and large windows reflecting in the surrounding water. Inside, you’ll find a museum dedicated to the works of Carel Willink – showcasing paintings, drawings, sculptures, and even some personal belongings of the artist. The exhibition is thoughtfully arranged, blending seamlessly with the historic interiors and creating an intriguing contrast between the old and the contemporary.

In addition to the main collection, the castle often hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. The on-site café offers coffee with a beautiful view of the park, and the gift shop sells books, postcards, and souvenirs related to art and the castle’s history.

This is an ideal place for a peaceful day filled with beauty and inspiration. Even if you’re not an avid art lover, the walk around the grounds and the chance to admire the castle’s architecture will leave you with...

Great little castle where art of the notorious artist Karel Willink is displayed on multiple floors.

The castle, and it's grounds, are truly beautiful. Lush green fields complimented by trees and bushes all well maintained, cutting off most outside prying eyes. If you're up for a drink there's a nice little cafe situated near the entrance.

The art on display in the castle is interesting in that Willink is not as well known as other Dutch masters, but stil very high quality. Although one should separate the art from the artist, I would not recommend reading up in this artist, but that's my opinion.

My only complaint, and the reason for giving 4/5 stars, is that the attitude towards people with disabilities is not to my liking. After having taken the elevator, because the person I was with could not walk any stairs (worn out knees and ankles), we got a lecture on how we circumvented the covid security measure; and how we used the elevator without being chaperoned by an employee. This despite the reception having told us to do so alone. And on the second floor we got the same lecture, and the same disregard for a disability, which I just found a tad inappropriate.

All in all a great little castle that's definitely worth visiting! Especially on a nice...

The Museum is a neatly restored castle in a meticulously maintained park. The castle has two active exibition floors. Some of the Willink paintings are exposed. The most intreging in the museum is the landscape (1937) with 2 fighting man. Closer look shows the left one wears a sort off German Knickerbocker, the other looks more English dressed.(?!) Mathilde Willinks' artistic dresses are exposed in a way they can be examined in detail, well done. The very controversial Mathilde was found on her death bed, partially dressed in her dresses. This death bed was auctioned recently, but not aquired by the museum. The curator should have been more observant, or more active, to keep the Willink...