Museum, knowledge center and shoe lab
Het Schoenenkwartier lets you discover the world of shoes so you can stand firmer. This is because they believe that shoes are not just something you wear, but that they stand for your identity and self-expression. They help you find your place in the world. You are invited to discover the world of shoes at the Schoenenkwartier. Whether you are a design enthusiast, maker, designer, student, or just a curious visitor, here you can learn, create, and develop yourself.
The museum's mission is clear: they connect hearts and hands to build the future of the footwear industry. There is a stage for innovation and development by using the unique collection of 20,000 objects as a solid foundation and source of inspiration. Located in the heart of North Brabant and on a historic site where shoes have been produced for centuries, the Schoenenkwartier in Waalwijk connects the regional heritage of Brabant's leather and shoe industry with contemporary artisanal shoemaking, orthopedics, art, fashion & design, and future industrial product design.
The Schoenenkwartier is a shoe museum, knowledge center and lab all in one. It is the only place in the Netherlands where the tradition of artisanal shoe making meets contemporary design, art and innovation. It provides a space where visitors, makers, designers, education and the shoe industry come together to learn, create and innovate. In its award-winning Kropholler complex, Schoenenkwartier provides an inspiring environment for a wide audience - from families to design enthusiasts - and gives the footwear industry a stage to shape its future.
This museum, study center, workshop, laboratory and stage is certainly not just about looking, but also about awareness and participation. In the words of an enthusiastic visitor, "What a great museum! Very educational, creatively designed. Also so much fun to design your own shoe! Compliments to the guides; they spoke about it with such enthusiasm. TOP!"
Prices
Adults: € 15,50
Children 4-17: € 7,50
Children under 3: Free
Pupils: € 7,50
CJP: € 7,50
Students: € 7.50 (MBO/HBO/WO)
Museum Card: Free
Pass holders: Free
Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 12:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00
Get to know De Langstraat
Langstraat is known for shoes and leather. In many places you can still encounter the rich past. Old tanneries and shoe factories go hand in hand with modern studios and art. And thanks to beautiful walking and cycling routes, you can easily discover the sights. The 'Learning route Waalwijk - Made in Brabant' has even been specially developed for this purpose. The route starts and ends at Museum Schoenenkwartier. Get on your bike, learn and enjoy!
Complete production process
In addition to being a museum, Schoenenkwartier is also a knowledge center. Experience the entire production process: from the tanning of skin to supple leather, to the moment the shoes are shipped in a nice box. With various permanent and temporary exhibitions, the research library, the workshop space and the 'make lab' (for design and prototyping), you rightly imagine yourself in the Dutch leather and shoe city. But the view of the Schoenenkwartier goes far beyond that of curator of a rich past. You will also find many innovative and sustainable materials and alternatives in the museum café and museum store.
"Wonderful museum"
Visitors are hugely enthusiastic about both the inside and outside: "As attractive as the outside is, it raises high expectations for inside. These have been far exceeded. A blueprint for museums!". And you may not only feel the beautiful books and materials here to your heart's content, but during workshops (sign-up required!) you can also make beautiful things yourself. So sign up, come by and design - under expert guidance - your own bag, sneaker, leather flowers, choker or bracelet.
