Stedelijk Museum Kampen focuses on four main themes: Water, Faith, Justice, and the House of Orange.
Water
Kampen owes its wealth to the water. The water made it possible to trade with distant places, which became very lucrative. But the water was dangerous, too. The rooms focusing on the topic of Water illustrate the history of Kampen and the water. The old Hanseatic League, the rise and fall of the Hanseatic city, the current rise in sea levels: Kampen has always been closely linked to the water.
Faith
Traditionally, religion has played an important role in Kampen. Until the Reformation, Kampen was a Roman Catholic city. The city center was home to large churches and monasteries. After the Reformation, Kampen turned Protestant, and two theological universities were established here. Much has been preserved from this period. All this is on display in the rooms focusing on faith.
Justice
Kampen received city rights in the early Middle Ages. It therefore gained its own council and the right to administer justice which took place in the Schepenzaal (Aldermen’s Hall) dating from 1545 which is the museum’s showpiece. The hall has not changed for centuries. Visit the Schepenzaal and themed room to find out what administration and justice were like in the past.
The House of Orange
Stedelijk Museum Kampen displays portrait paintings of all stadtholders and kings of the House of Orange. All the portraits show the subjects from head to toe.
Stedelijk Museum Kampen has two ancillary locations: the Gemeentelijke Expositieruimte, municipal exhibition space, located in a former synagogue, and the Koornmarktspoort, a medieval city gate. All three locations house temporary exhibitions.
