The Texel antiquities room is a small museum situated in the centre of Den Burg. This beautiful house, which was built in 1599, has been furnished with furniture and utensils dating back to the time of your granny's granny.

Back in time

When you step over the threshold, you will find yourself transported back in time to the 19th century. The antiquities room was built as a guest house for people who found themselves temporarily homeless and for strangers too. Guests were able to stay there free for a total of just three nights. In the museum, you will find a collection of works of art and utensils, old prints and costumes, amongst other things. You will also learn about the shipping industry and its consequences for the families left behind on the island. One example is Aagje Luijtsen, a young seafarer's wife who wrote letter after letter to her beloved husband while he was away at sea in the 18th century.

The Netherlands' smallest herb garden

Behind the museum, visitors will find the smallest public herb garden in the Netherlands. Herbs include the rare black mush chervil, which still grows in the wild on Texel. This old-Dutch wild vegetable used to be used in soups and stews, but disappeared in 1781. It was only rediscovered on Texel in 1944. The 'magic herb' Mandragora (mandrake) grows in the garden too; visitors will remember its name from the Harry Potter books.

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