Museum De Tiid: Frisian heritage with a story

The historic town hall of Bolsward with an ornate façade, a tall tower and a flag, on a sunny day. — Bolsward town hall, home of Museum De Tiid.Photo: Rianna Hilarius / Museum De Tiid · provided by the museum

The stories behind the history

Special collection displays, interactive screens and changing exhibitions introduce the region, its people and its past.

Key historical figures such as Titus Brandsma, Gysbert Japicx, Grutte Pier and Trijntje Hilarides each offer a different view of history. Their stories deal with subjects that are still recognisable today, such as language, identity and freedom. On interactive screens, visitors can respond to dilemmas about history and identity.

A town hall full of special features

The town hall was built between 1614 and 1617. The museum route takes you through historic halls and rooms, including the Council Chamber, the Vierschaar and the Mayor’s Room.

In the Council Chamber you can admire, up close, the craftsmanship of Jacob Gysberts, father of the poet Gysbert Japicx. He made the wooden portal door and the woodcarving of the fireplace. For centuries this richly decorated room was the heart of the town government, and it is still used for weddings.

In the Vierschaar, aldermen passed judgement on offences and minor crimes. Here hangs the painting The Judgement of Solomon from 1619, which was restored in 2020 and 2021 thanks to donations from local residents.

A council chamber with wooden tables, blue chairs, chandeliers, a red carpet and an elaborately carved chimneypiece. — The council chamber in the town hall.Photo: Rianna Hilarius / Museum De Tiid · provided by the museum

An exhibition room with a stone column, a painting, a display case and a wooden beamed ceiling. — The Vierschaar, the former courtroom.Photo: Museum De Tiid · provided by the museum

Fine craftsmanship in the tower

The town hall tower has a special story of its own. Its wooden structure rests on the beams above the Vierschaar. In the tower loft you can see the structure and the seventeenth-century craftsmanship.

A guided tour of the town hall gives extra background on the building, its historic details and the restoration of the tower. On a guided tour you also go up to the higher tower platform with the guide; with a regular museum ticket, only the tower loft is accessible.

A glass roof above an open space in the museum, through which the town hall tower can be seen. — View of the tower from the Vide, inside the museum.Photo: Rianna Hilarius / Museum De Tiid · provided by the museum

Always something new to discover

Besides the permanent display, there are changing exhibitions of art and other subjects from the region and beyond. Museum De Tiid also regularly organises activities, often together with the Library and the Municipal Archive within the De Tiid Cultural Heritage Centre.

A museum visit combines well with a walk through Bolsward. The tourist information point in De Tiid offers tips for the town and the surrounding area. The museum shop sells handmade tiles, jewellery, posters and postcards, among other things.

Before you go

Check detiid.nl for current exhibitions and activities, and book guided tours in good time.

Sources

This description is based on text supplied by Museum De Tiid for its profile on 5 October 2026. Check current visitor information with the museum.