Teylers Museum

The wealthy merchant Pieter Teyler donated part of his fortune, as well as his personal collection of scientific oddities and art, for the promotion of art and science. In accordance with his will, the Teylers Museum opened its doors in 1778. It is the first and oldest museum in Holland and the experience of walking around the atmospheric 18th-century building alone is worth the visit. Visitors can view a diverse collection of paintings and drawings related to natural history and the history of science. Teylers Museum is comprised of 12 rooms including two fossil rooms, an impressive mineral collection, chambers with historic scientific instruments and two rooms filled with 19th-century Dutch paintings. The highlight is the so-called oval room, which boasts an authentic 18th-century interior.