The Central or Centraal Museum is located in the former Agnietenklooster, an Augustinian monastery, which was enlarged in the beginning of the 20th century and converted into a museum. It encircles a beautiful historic garden.

The collection
This museum is Holland's oldest municipal museum and has recently been renovated. The collection of visual and applied art is displayed in specially designed rooms. The world's largest Rietveld collection is housed here, along with an overview collection of Dick Bruna, one of Holland’s famous illustrators. Other highlights are the 16th and 17th century collection of Utrecht masters, an overview of the history of Utrecht, fashion design, and a large collection of early 20th century art.

The Utrecht School
The outline of the Agnieten Convent can be seen in the center of the museum, which is known for its collection of paintings mostly from the 16th-17th century Utrecht School. The painters were called Caravaggists, because they painted in the same manner as the Italian painter Caravaggio.

Next to an extensive collection of paintings you will find an authentic Viking Ship, which dates back to the 12th century. Another sure-to-please piece is a model 'doll house' of 1680. As was common in those days, the scale model was built for a rich merchant’s home and not as a toy. Children enjoy the recently opened Kids Centraal with regularly alternating exhibitions and workshops.

Nicolaaskerkhof 10, Utrecht

www.centraalmuseum.nl