Museum Martena — Attraction in Waadhoeke

Museum Martena is a charming historical museum located in Franeker, Friesland, in the northern Netherlands. The museum is housed in the Martenastins, a former aristocratic mansion built in 1506, and it offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Franeker and its surrounding region.

Key Features:

Historic Building:

The Martenastins is a well-preserved Renaissance-style residence with unique architectural features, including ornamental gables and historic interiors.

The building itself is a significant attraction, providing insight into the lifestyle of Frisian nobility.

Exhibits:

The museum's permanent collection includes artifacts, paintings, and documents that showcase Franeker's history as a prominent city during the Dutch Golden Age.

Special attention is given to the city's academic history, as Franeker was home to one of the Netherlands' earliest universities, the University of Franeker (1585–1811).

Eise Eisinga and Astronomy:

The museum highlights the achievements of local astronomer Eise Eisinga, who built the famous Eise Eisinga Planetarium, still operational in Franeker.

Exhibits delve into his contributions to science and the history of astronomy in the region.

Temporary Exhibitions:

Museum Martena regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on Frisian art, culture, and history.

Garden:

The museum includes a beautiful garden where visitors can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Cultural Connection:

The museum celebrates Franeker's place in Frisian history, including its connections to the Elfstedentocht (the legendary Frisian ice-skating race) and other local traditions.

Visitor Information:

Museum Martena is a must-visit for those interested in Friesland's history, combining beautiful architecture, engaging exhibits, and a personal touch that connects visitors to Franeker's vibrant past. It offers a quiet and enriching experience in the heart of a...

This historical museum has a few special features that makes it wort visiting. One of then is the collection of objects and paintings relatief to the Franeker University. The other is the collection of objects from and about the first female student Anna Maria van Schuurman. A special treat for children id in the attic in the form.of a working model of a fancy fair. In springtime you can enjoy the special springflowers in the garden behind the Museum the so called stinzenflora you could find in the gardens of all the Frisian...

We stumbled on this museum and were so happy we did! The fact you could smell, taste, touch, hear and see so many things was such a treat. Learning more about the Friesian nobility was interesting, and the museum had a great amount of information without being too overwhelming. A fantastic stop! So cool to see parts of the building that were...