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Entrance of Wereldmuseum Leiden with blossom and a totem pole

Wereldmuseum Leiden — world cultures in Leiden

Wereldmuseum Leiden, founded in 1837 on the Steenstraat, is one of the world's oldest ethnographic museums. Its galleries on Indonesia, Japan, China, Africa, Oceania and the Americas trace four centuries of Dutch contact with the wider world.

What to see

Regional galleries built around single spectacular objects — a Javanese gamelan, Buddhist sculpture, Inuit clothing, Benin bronzes — plus temporary exhibitions that address collecting history and provenance honestly.

Practical information

The entrance is at Steenstraat 1, opposite De Valk windmill and five minutes from Leiden Centraal. Allow around two hours; the shop and café are worth a stop and Museum De Lakenhal is a short walk away for a second museum.

  • Steenstraat 1, opposite the De Valk windmill and 5 minutes from the station.
  • Allow two hours.
  • Museumkaart accepted; the shop and café are worth a stop.
  • Easy to combine with Museum De Lakenhal next door.

Location, opening hours & tickets

Address

Wereldmuseum Leiden
Steenstraat 1
2312 BS Leiden

6-minute walk from Leiden Centraal

Opening hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00–17:00
Wednesday10:00–17:00
Thursday10:00–17:00
Friday10:00–17:00
Saturday10:00–17:00
Sunday10:00–17:00

Admission

€ 16Museumkaart accepted

Opening hours and prices are indicative — check the official website before your visit, especially around public holidays.

Book tickets

Pick an option, choose your date and book instantly.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Wereldmuseum Leiden?
Wereldmuseum Leiden is open on Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00. Closed on Mon. Hours are indicative; check the official website around public holidays.
How much is a ticket for Wereldmuseum Leiden?
A standard adult ticket for Wereldmuseum Leiden costs around € 16. Children and students usually pay less. Entry is included with a Museumkaart.
Can you buy tickets for Wereldmuseum Leiden online?
Yes. You can book tickets for Wereldmuseum Leiden in advance through our ticket partner on this page — pick a date and time slot and receive an e-ticket on your phone. Booking ahead is recommended in holidays and at weekends.
How do I get to Wereldmuseum Leiden?
Wereldmuseum Leiden is a 6-minute walk from Leiden Centraal. Arriving by car? Use a city-centre car park and walk the last stretch.
When is Wereldmuseum Leiden least busy?
Weekday mornings just after opening and the final hour before closing are the quietest times at Wereldmuseum Leiden. School holidays, Sundays and public holidays are busiest.