Natuurmuseum Brabant continues its sustainability adaptations
Work to prepare our historic building for the future will take place from early August through October 2025. We will remain open while working towards a more sustainable museum.
Natuurmuseum Brabant is housed in a unique listed building, a villa originally built in 1880 for the Tilburg textile manufacturer Guillaume Pollet. The property is owned by the Municipality of Tilburg, which is obliged to make its buildings more sustainable. This includes the coach house, home to the exhibitions Ice Age! and to the Sperm whale gallery.
The result will be a more sustainable building with a more pleasant indoor climate for our visitors.
What’s the expected timeline?
Period | Exhibition | Status |
From 5 August 2025 | Ice Age! | Temporarily closed |
From 18 August 2025 | Sperm whale gallery | Temporarily closed |
September to October 2025 | Coach house | Renovation work |
October 2025 | Coach house, Ice Age! and Sperm whale gallery | Reopening |
What has already been done?
For the last couple of years, the Municipality of Tilburg has been working with the museum to make our building more sustainable. In an earlier phase, the main building was upgraded. Three large air HVAC units were installed, allowing the temperature in different galleries to be regulated individually. This makes it possible to control the climate in most parts of the building. Additional insulation measures were also taken, such as the installation of secondary glazing. Furthermore, all lighting that hadn’t yet been replaced was converted to LED.
Starting in August 2025, the next phase begins with work on the coach house.
How much disruption should I expect?
The museum will remain open during the sustainability work. We expect minimal disruption for visitors; only the exhibitions Ice Age! and the Sperm whale gallery will be temporarily closed. Our other nine galleries, the museum café and the shop will all be open. We’ve made clear agreements with the contractor to ensure the sustainability upgrades are completed as quickly and smoothly as possible. That way, we can get back to doing what we do best: giving our visitors an unforgettable day at the most exciting natural history museum in the Netherlands.
Any questions in the meantime? Feel free to contact us at verduurzaming@natuurmuseumbrabant.nl