Valkenburg as the cradle of Dutch tourism.

The hilly landscape, the ruins of the castle, the cave dwellings, the special soil, containing interesting finds were all ingredients to attract visitors from various parts of the world. This is still the case. The tourist still visits Valkenburg and its surroundings, to learn of the rich history of the “Mergelstad” to experience the scenery along the river Geul, to discover the special fossils in the “Geologie” or to find tools that are thousands of years old in the “Vuursteen”.

Much can be told of the small part of the Netherlands called South-Limburg. For a long period of time Limburg had to make do without a university. People who wanted to know more about this so to speak foreign part of the Netherlands spent their spare time in finding out what had been discovered there and what was on view. These amateurs gradually became experts. The discovery and study of mineral resources is an exciting story which is shown in the “Geologie” and in the “Vuursteen”.

Tourists are charmed by what is old, but are also in for something new. Some sights are here to stay, others make way for new ones as can be seen in the “Toerist”. The dynamics of tourism turns history in Valkenburg into a living heritage. This can be enjoyed not only in the museum but also outside it. The “Mergelstad” offers a special view of the ruins of the castle and the Grotestraat with all its marlstone buildings.

The design of this floor is based on the identity of the building, The slightly elegant ornaments from the past get renewed attention because of their being painted in black and are accentuated by a strikingly yellow background: the colour of marl.

The museum is a place with a theatrical side that has to be experienced,. The halls and smaller size ones are just more than presentation rooms. Visitors can dream away or relax on the bronze green coloured seats and there is a lot to be discovered. Sometimes even in drawers and behind small doors, or by pressing a button, but mainly by taking one’s time. Museum objects, paintings, drawings and texts are on view in every room. Art and history are combined as can be discovered on the walls of every room. The ancient collage-technique comes to life in quirky forms. Every hall is designed in the same way, but maintains its own character that is linked to the various themes. For a long time societies and foundations have been active in the museum in various ways. It leads to a diversity which is treated by the museum with care.