National Museum of Ethnology, Ethnological museum in Leiden, Netherlands
The National Museum of Ethnology is an art museum in Leiden with extensive collections representing cultures worldwide through crafts, textiles, and traditional objects. The displays span different continents and offer a survey of human creativity and artisanal skill.
The museum was founded in 1837 as Museum Japonicum and became Europe's first ethnographic museum, starting with Japanese objects. Its establishment marked the beginning of a new approach to studying and displaying non-European cultures on the continent.
The museum displays objects such as Buddha statues from Asia, Kachina dolls from the Americas, and carved figures from Central Africa. Visitors encounter how these objects were used and valued within their own cultural contexts.
The museum sits within walking distance of Leiden Central Station, making it easy to reach. Plan sufficient time for your visit as the collections are extensive, and a café is available for breaks.
Since 2023 the museum has reviewed its collections and returned Indonesian artworks to their countries of origin. This process reflects a contemporary approach to responsibility in safeguarding and owning cultural materials from around the world.
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