Discover the museum of DeMuseumwinkel

At the back of our store, you'll find a special section: our own museum and private collection. Here you’ll discover unique objects, each with its own story. From forgotten civilizations and ancient medical techniques to rituals, rare natural phenomena and taxidermy. A small exhibition full of history, science, curiosities and beautifully prepared mounted animals. We'd love to guide you through a selection of our most remarkable pieces.

Human skeletons

Among the old teaching skeletons stands the fragile body of a child with a notably enlarged skull, caused by hydrocephalus, also known as “water on the brain.” The child was born in 1890 after 31 weeks, it’s likely the mother didn’t survive. You’ll also find a remarkably elongated skull. At first glance, it might seem like science fiction, unnaturally stretched, as if pulled out. But it’s real, and about 2000 years old. This skull comes from Peru, where the Collagua people intentionally shaped the heads of their babies using wooden boards. Not as punishment or protection, but as a sign of high status. A long skull symbolized power and heritage.

Shrunken head

Under a glass dome lies one of the most fascinating, and controversial, objects in our museum: a shrunken head, known as a “tsantsa.” It originates from the Jivaro people of South America. These heads were originally made from enemies after tribal warfare. The act was spiritual, meant to capture the soul of the deceased. That’s why the mouth is sewn shut.

Mummified cat

Besides human stories, we also tell of animal devotion. In one display case lies a mummified cat from the time of the ancient Egyptians. These cats were sacrificed to the goddess Bastet, goddess of joy, fertility and music. Bastet was often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat: elegant and powerful.

Birds

Our museum section features some of the most extraordinary bird species. Each specimen has been carefully prepared using the art of taxidermy, where not just the appearance but also the posture and expression are brought to life.

Some of these mounted birds are more than beautiful display pieces, they are award-winning competition entries, honoured at national and international taxidermy championships. Every two years, the Dutch Association of Taxidermists (NVP) organizes the Dutch Taxidermy Championships, where professionals submit their best work. Entries are judged strictly on anatomy, difficulty, creativity and finish.

Winners receive an official certificate, a rosette and a cash prize. In some cases, master points are also awarded, recognition for exceptional craftsmanship in the world of taxidermy.

Our collection includes several of these prize-winning birds: tangible examples of where craftsmanship and nature meet.

Curious to see more? In our store and on our website, you’ll find many more extraordinary items, from rare skulls and fossils to mounted animals, butterflies and educational materials. Whether you’re a collector, museum enthusiast or just curious, at De Museumwinkel, wonder comes to life. Feel free to drop by or browse our website to see the full collection.