Noord-Holland
Hilversum
In Hilversum, an image on a screen is more than something to watch. The Mediamuseum at Beeld & Geluid makes media the subject of an interactive visit. At the Fotomuseum on Kerkbrink, the focus shifts to contemporary and social photography. The two museums complement one another: one examines how media work, while the other gives photographs room within changing exhibitions.
The built environment tells another story. Dudok’s town hall is a landmark in the town. On Hilversum’s southern side stands Zonnestraal, designed as a sanatorium in the 1920s. Its buildings belong to a setting of woods and heath. Today’s work and recreation uses give the complex a different daily purpose from the one it had when it was built for patients.
A garden can also be a collection. Pinetum Blijdenstein preserves conifers and other plant groups in a residential part of Hilversum. Its pond and planting offer a different experience from the museum galleries. A museum day brings Beeld & Geluid and the Fotomuseum together. The garden and the former sanatorium offer further destinations, each with a history and visiting arrangements of its own.
A museum at the Media Park
Beeld en Geluid - Mediamuseum
The Mediamuseum at Beeld & Geluid explores media in an interactive setting. A museum visit at the Media Park is distinct from access to the archive, event spaces or freely accessible Lounge. Mediamuseum tickets are offered with an entry time.
Media Parkboulevard 1, 1217 WE Hilversum
A day in Hilversum
An example for an ordinary Tuesday to Sunday, excluding special closure dates. The Mediamuseum opens at 10:00 and the Fotomuseum at 11:00. Ninety minutes between visits allows for lunch and travel from the Media Park to Kerkbrink. Each museum visit focuses on a selection.
10:00–12:30 · Beeld & Geluid — Mediamuseum
The day begins at Beeld & Geluid, Media Parkboulevard 1, with the interactive Mediamuseum. Its approach centres on media and their role in everyday life. The entry time on the museum ticket governs admission; normal opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–17:00.
14:00–16:00 · Fotomuseum Hilversum
Fotomuseum Hilversum, at Kerkbrink 6, presents contemporary and social photography. Changing exhibitions shape the galleries. Regular opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–17:00. On 26 December the museum opens 12:00–16:00; it closes on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and King’s Day.
More about Zonnestraal
Zonnestraal opened as a sanatorium in 1928. Jan Duiker and Bernard Bijvoet designed the complex with the involvement of Jan Gerko Wiebenga. Its main building and pavilions belong to the Nieuwe Bouwen movement. Today the estate combines workplaces with recreation among woods and heath. Guided tours are available by advance registration; walking around the estate is distinct from entering its buildings.
Key figures and transport
Population
94,595
Area
46.36 km²
Water
0.89 km²
Localities
1
Reference date · 1 January 2026
Stations
Search Holland Magazine
Garden and plant collection
Pinetum Blijdenstein
Pinetum Blijdenstein, at Van der Lindenlaan 125, specialises in gymnosperms, including conifers and cycads. Ephedras and rhododendrons are also part of the collection. The garden opens year-round: Monday to Friday 09:00–16:30, weekends and public holidays 12:00–16:30. The pond photograph was taken in August 2023.