There are many things to do and attractions in Utrecht! On top of the attractions list has got to be the St. Martin’s Cathedral also known as the Domkerk as well as the Dom Tower also known as Domtoren.
Domtoren aka Dom Tower
Known to the locals as Domtoren, the Dom Tower stands at a height of 112.5 metres and is the tallest church tower in all of the Netherlands.
The Dom Tower commenced work in 1321 to show the power of the Utrecht church to all of Europe. Besides being a bell tower, Dom Tower also functioned as a private chapel and the watch tower because of its height.
Today, it remains as a symbol of the city of Utrecht.
St. Martin’s Cathedral aka Domkerk
Situated next to the Dom Tower is the gothic-styled St. Martin’s Cathedral. It is today a protestant church and was also built during the middle ages. Unlike most churches during that era which had 2 towers (see these towers in Old Town Square Prague), there is only 1 tower – the Dom Tower which remains a significant part of Utrecht today.
The hurricane / storm of 1674 destroyed a huge portion of the church as show in this illustration below.
There are so many things to do and attractions in Utrecht! Besides the Domtoren and Domkerk of Utrecht, the other must visit attraction has got to be Dick Bruna House, the home of Miffy the rabbit!
How to get to Dick Bruna House
Dick Bruna House also known as dick bruna huis is located on Nicolaaskerkhof 10, Utrecht, the Netherlands and is actually just opposite of the Centraal Museum. If you go by public, the bus number 2 stops close to the Centraal Museum.
Opening Hours of Dick Bruna Huis
Tuesdays to Sundays : 1100 to 1700
The museum is closed every Monday except for Whit and Easter Monday.
Prices/Admission Fees
The price of admission to Dick Bruna Huis is as follows
18 to 64 yrs old : 9 Euros
65+,groups of 10, U pass holders : 7 Euros
13 to 17 yrs old and student pass holders : 4 Euros
Free entry for children under 12 years of age. Tickets also include admission to the Centraal Museum on the same day.
Introduction
Miffy the rabbit is a creation of Utrecht illustrator Dick Bruna (born in 1927). His simplistic use of shapes and colours in creating Miffy has won fans from all over the world. Besides Miffy and her family, Dick Bruna also created many unforgettable characters such as Poppy Pig, Boris Bear, Little Dog Snuffy and Little Black Bear (aka Zwarte Beertje).
Inside Dick Bruna House
After passing by the fat golden Miffy, you will enter a tiny room with Miffy storybooks (also known as Nijntje in Dutch) of many different languages. It has been said that because of the fame of Miffy, the series has been translated to more than 50 languages!
Every Miffy storybook has a standard rectangular format consisting of 12 prints and 12 four-line verses which tells the story. Dick Bruna will first draw the story with pictures before coming up with the text for the story. His wife Irene, will then check and see if she loves it before sending to the publishers.
Miffy Square Books inside Dick Bruna Huis
History of Dick Bruna and Miffy
The next room shows the history of Dick Bruna and his work, including his famed character Miffy.
The room also has video interviews of Dick Bruna, telling how he got the inspiration for Miffy, who influenced him in his work and how he typically completes a Miffy storybook.
There are also old artworks done by Dick Bruna such as this picture using shapes and colours to show contrast…
Play area for kids
The next room is simply a play area for kids
In this area, kids can play with puzzles and do some drawings. There’s also cushion toys they can play with and cases of Miffy figures on display.
Miffy in Fashion / Nijntje in de mode
There was a feature exhibition at our time of visit called Miffy in Fashion or Nijntje in de mode.
At a young age, Dick Bruna wanted to be a designer. However, his father wanted him to take over the family’s publishing business. So he began work in the company but only as a graphic designer. This exhibition appealed to an international group of designers who attributed to Dick Bruna’s work as a source of inspiration.
Enjoy the pictures from Miffy in Fashion of Dick Bruna House
Here is a video in Miffy in Fashion / Nijntje De Mode
Conclusion
If you are a fan of Miffy, the dick bruna huis is definitely a must visit attraction in Utrecht. Even if you’re not, you would definitely be inspired by his use of his signature black outlines, bold colours and excellent use of simple shapes.
Even if you’re not the arty kind, if you have a girl friend or wife, bringing her there will score you some brownie points!
You can also visit the dick bruna huis store on the way out and get some souvenirs or toys for friends back home!