National Playing Card Museum, Campine Kempen Travel Guide

4.4 (573)

Explore the fascinating world of playing cards at Turnhout's National Museum, a celebration of history, art, and industrial craftsmanship.

Home
Travel Guides
Belgium
Campine Kempen
National Playing Card Museum

The National Playing Card Museum in Turnhout, Belgium, explores the rich history and artistry of playing cards. Housed in a former factory, the museum showcases an impressive collection of cards and printing equipment, highlighting Turnhout's role as a major center for playing card production.

A brief summary to National Playing Card Museum

Druivenstraat 18, Turnhout, Turnhout, 2300, BE
Click to display
Click to display

Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 11 am-5 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring National Playing Card Museum.

Check the museum's website for special events and demonstrations, particularly those featuring the historic printing presses.
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, as weekends can be quite busy.
Consider purchasing a combi-ticket for access to the National Playing Card Museum, Taxandria Museum, and Beguinage Museum.
The museum has lockers available for your belongings.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

National Park Hoge Kempen

Hoge Kempen National Park - Lieteberg

Regional Landscape Kempen and Maasland vzw

Fietsen door de Heide

domain Pietersheim

Explore National Playing Card Museum on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near National Playing Card Museum, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The National Playing Card Museum is located a 5-minute walk from the Grote Markt (main square) in Turnhout. From the Grote Markt, enter Otterstraat, then turn right onto Beekstraat. Follow Beekstraat to Druivenstraat, where you'll find the museum.
Public Transport

The National Playing Card Museum is approximately a 20-minute walk from the Turnhout train station. Upon exiting the station, cross Stationstraat and enter Merodelei, which leads to Gasthuisstraat and the Grote Markt. From there, follow the walking directions. Alternatively, take a local bus from the station to a stop closer to the museum. Check the De Lijn website for the most up-to-date schedules and fares. A single bus fare within Turnhout typically costs around €2-3.
Car

The National Playing Card Museum is easily accessible by car, located next to the E34 motorway. From the E34, take exit 24 to reach the center of Turnhout. The museum offers limited free parking. If the museum parking is full, additional paid parking is available at the Muylenberg Car Park across the street (Sint-Jozefstraat) and in the Turnova car park. Parking fees typically range from €1-2 per hour.

Discover more about National Playing Card Museum

The National Playing Card Museum, located in Turnhout, Belgium, is a captivating museum dedicated to the history, production, and cultural significance of playing cards. Turnhout has been a center for playing card manufacturing since the Industrial Revolution, and the museum celebrates this heritage with an extensive collection of playing cards and printing equipment.The museum is housed in a beautifully restored factory building, providing a fitting backdrop for the exhibits. Visitors can explore the evolution of playing cards from the 16th century to the present day, with a focus on the industrial era. The collection includes rare and unique items, such as a 1567 game with dragon designs and a 1743 printing of Edmond Hoyle's treatise on whist.A highlight of the museum is its collection of historic printing presses, including a 19th-century steam engine. On select days, passionate printers demonstrate the traditional printing process, offering visitors a glimpse into the craftsmanship involved in making playing cards. The museum also explores the cultural impact of playing cards, showcasing their use in art, education, and even political satire.In addition to the permanent collection, the museum features interactive exhibits, including the '5 of Hearts' and 'Room of the Future' sections. These exhibits delve into the history and uses of playing cards, as well as their potential future in the digital age. The museum also hosts special events and workshops, providing opportunities for visitors to deepen their understanding of card games and their cultural significance.