Question 1

When does Museumpark VONK open?

Accepted Answer

Museumpark VONK will open on July 18 2026.

Question 2

What happens to the preHistorisch Dorp?

Accepted Answer

The preHistorisch Dorp is evolving into Museumpark VONK. As part of this transformation, the existing experience is being expanded with an additional 350 to 400 years of regional history. Everything you already know and love will remain, while there will be even more to discover and experience. In the new museum building, you will find an introductory show, an exhibition, and a workshop. In the workshop, you will work together with others to create large-scale installations called "sparks." These remarkable constructions bring important moments from the region’s history to life in an engaging way. Once completed, they become part of the Garden of Wonder. The current preHistorisch Dorp will continue as the World of Experience within the museum park. While the name preHistorisch Dorp will disappear, the experience itself will remain, becoming part of a larger museum filled with new stories and experiences.

Question 3

What is the idea behind VONK?

Accepted Answer

VONK is a hands-on history museum in Eindhoven where you discover and experience 10,000 years of the city and region’s history. We highlight the moments when literal “sparks” were ignited: historical turning points that have permanently shaped the region and continue to influence it today. Together with us, you help build large-scale installations that bring historical stories to life. These “sparks” present the past in a striking and iconic way. You think along about the themes, contribute to the design, and actively help construct the installations. In this way, we make history both visible and tangible together. Not without reason, the central theme is: experience history together. History belongs to everyone, and by thinking and building together, we make it something we all share. VONK builds on the accessible approach of the current preHistorisch Dorp and serves both residents of the region and visitors from elsewhere. In addition to early history, the museum also highlights more recent history, such as the rise of manufacturing in Eindhoven. This gives recent history a more prominent role than in the current presentation of the preHistorisch Dorp, where mainly early and early modern history are central.

Question 4

What makes VONK different from other museums?

Accepted Answer

VONK is not a museum where you only observe, but one where you actively participate: a museum in motion. You experience history by building, experimenting, and exploring. Together with makers, you help create new “sparks” that are installed in the museum.

Question 5

Where does the name Museumpark VONK come from?

Accepted Answer

The new name Museumpark VONK is derived from the expression to ignite the spark, reflecting the museum’s focus on the transformative moments in the history of Eindhoven and its region. Those pivotal moments that set irreversible change in motion. At the same time, VONK refers to Eindhoven’s pioneering and inventive spirit, where, sometimes quite literally, a spark ignited innovations and developments that continue to shape the region today. The name also honours the museum’s roots in the preHistorisch Dorp. For generations, visitors have learned to make fire using flint and steel, just as people did in the past. Those first sparks have become an iconic part of the experience and remain a symbolic connection to the museum’s origins.

Question 6

Is VONK suitable for all ages?

Accepted Answer

Yes, VONK offers something for every visitor. The introductory show immediately draws you into the story. You watch, listen, and take part. In the exhibition, you discover the history of Eindhoven through accessible stories and remarkable objects. In the workshop, you share ideas, ask questions, and engage with others. The activities are designed to appeal to both children and adults. There is also plenty to discover throughout the museum park. You’ll find in-depth information alongside hands-on activities that encourage you to experience, experiment, and explore history for yourself.

Question 7

What does the new museum building look like?

Accepted Answer

The new museum building features a great deal of wood, glass, and greenery, allowing it to blend naturally into its surroundings. Inside, you will find a variety of spaces, including a workshop, exhibition area, museum shop, introductory show, auditorium, and brasserie. A special feature is the publicly accessible roof garden. The roof garden can be visited free of charge during opening hours. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view over the museum park, the Genneper Parken, and the Eindhoven skyline. The building demonstrates how craftsmanship and innovation come together, using bio-based materials, circular construction methods, and smart energy solutions.

Question 8

Where can I park?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available in the museum car park (day rate €5). If the car park is full, you can park for free along the service road of Boutenslaan or on Antoon Coolenlaan.

Question 9

How are the plans financed?

Accepted Answer

The museum receives a contribution of €7 million from the Regional Deal, supplemented by contributions from various funds and sponsorships. The required co-financing for a plan of approximately €8 million has now been more than secured. The annual subsidy from the municipality for operational costs remains unchanged.

Question 10

Can I work in the workshop myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in the workshop you help build a new spark. The workshop consists of three zones. In Zone 1, you think along about the themes. In Zone 2, you observe how vocational students and volunteers are building. In Zone 3, you take part and build yourself.

Question 11

How do the themes get chosen?

Accepted Answer

We do this by listening to what is happening in Eindhoven and in society as a whole. We also look at important topics from Eindhoven’s history that have received little attention in our museum so far, but do deserve it.

Question 12

Who develops and builds the wonderful structures (vonken)?

Accepted Answer

The museum commissions designers for each vonk to create the design. The construction is carried out by vocational students (MBO level) and our visitors, under the guidance of museum staff.

Question 13

Do the vonken stay in het museum permanent or do they get replaced after some time?

Accepted Answer

There are a maximum of ten vonken at any one time in the museum park. As a result, they are continuously replaced over time. A vonk that leave the museum may be relocated to another place in the city.

Question 14

What is the ticket price?

Accepted Answer

A ticket for VONK is €16.50. Entrance for Museumkaart and VriendenLoterij VIP Card holders, as well as children aged 3 and under, is free.

Question 15

Is there public catering?

Accepted Answer

In the museum building, you will find Brasserie VONK. The brasserie is accessible to museum visitors as well as walkers in the Genneper Parken.

Question 16

How does VONK contribute to strengthening greenery and biodiversity?

Accepted Answer

We are enhancing the landscape around the museum with more public green spaces and native plants and trees. Together with partners such as Trefpunt Groen , we actively increase biodiversity. We focus not only on adding more greenery, but especially on quality and variety. We create different biotopes that strengthen biodiversity in the Genneper Parken. If existing green elements need to be adjusted, we compensate for this in accordance with legal requirements and engage in dialogue with environmental and conservation organisations.

Question 17

How do I stay up to date?

Accepted Answer

Follow us on social media so you don’t miss any news, events, or activities. Also check our website regularly for the latest updates.

Question 18

Can I contribute ideas or help develop VONK?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Co-creation plays an important role at VONK. Would you like to contribute ideas, talk with us, or take part? Then please get in touch with us.

Question 19

Is the Museum Kids Card valid for children’s parties?

Accepted Answer

The Museum Kids Card is not valid in combination with children’s parties.

Question 20

Can I, as an accompanying adult, use the Museum Card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as an accompanying adult at a children’s party, you can enter for free with a Museum Card.

Question 21

Are food and drinks included at a children's party?

Accepted Answer

Kids knapsack lunch party The rate of €17.50 per child for the Kids knapsack lunch party applies to the knapsack arrangement. The knapsack ontains two mini rustic sandwiches, fruit salad, freshly squeezed juice, a muffin (choice of vanilla, apple-cinnamon, or chocolate), and a bag of crisps. Museum admission is not included and must be paid separately. Kids Expedition The rate of €13.50 per child for the Kids Expedition includes museum admission, but excludes food and drinks. Would you like to make the party complete? You can extend it with a feast in Brasserie VONK (€7.50 per child). Children can choose between a Kids fries table with fries and a snack (frikandel, croquette, or chicken nuggets) or a pancake table with mini pancakes and various toppings. The feast includes lemonade, and each child receives a delicious Goodoo ice cream of their choice.

Question 22

What do I tell in the invitation?

Accepted Answer

A tip for the invitation: make sure to wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty, because at Museumpark VONK you’re allowed to get nicely messy.

Question 23

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are allowed to bring your own food and drinks and have a picnic in the museum park. In the catering areas and on the terrace, only food and drinks purchased from our own catering facilities may be consumed.

Question 24

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are also welcome in the Museum Park, however they must be kept on a leash. Dogs are also welcome in the museum building in the workshop and Brasserie VONK. Dogs are not allowed in the introductory show Reis door de Tijd or in the Kabinet van Verdieping exhibition.

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