A museum and a castle? Introducing the largest modern realism museum in Europe

Museum MORE is here to redefine your concept of a “museum trip” completely. Not only is this museum the largest museum of modern realism in Europe, but it also has two incredible, unique locations (one of which is in an actual castle!).

With two locations welcoming around 200,000 visitors between them each year, Museum MORE is a popular yet understated option for all you art lovers out there. 

The two locations are in Gelderland: an architecturally stunning purpose-built museum in Gorssel and a genuine 16th-century castle full of history and art in Ruurlo.

So, what exactly is modern realism?

Modern realism is art that uses visible reality as its anchor: think paintings, drawings, and sculptures that look recognisably like the world around us. Not abstract, not conceptual, but grounded in what the eye actually sees. 

Museum MORE describes its collection as “top figurative art from the 20th century to the present, with an emphasis on the 1920s and 1930s.”

Important names include Carel Willink, Jan Mankes, Charley Toorop, and Pyke Koch. These renowned artists worked in the Dutch tradition of precise, psychologically charged realism.

But MORE Museum isn’t just about looking back. Its mission is to bring realistic art to life by exploring the boundaries of reality itself. The result is a museum that feels alive rather than archival.

An education in duality 

The collection at Museum MORE combines a strong Dutch core with an international context. Both locations feature permanent collection presentations alongside temporary exhibitions, bringing in artists from the Netherlands and abroad.

And that’s kind of the point. As MORE puts it, they want to showcase art that “seduces, moves, convinces, and stimulates,” art that brings “beauty, joy, doubt, and daring.”

Two locations, two worlds

Museum MORE and Museum MORE | Kasteel Ruurlo share a collection but offer very different experiences.

The Museum MORE Gorssel location may not be a castle, but that doesn’t make it any less stunning. This light-filled beauty of a building was designed by renowned museum architect Hans van Heeswijk, whose credits include the Mauritshuis in The Hague and the new entrance of the Van Gogh Museum. 

The building was once the old village hall of Gorssel, dating from 1914, with contemporary pavilion-style extensions built around the original monument.

The atmosphere here is one of renewal and discovery: international, open, and a little playful. You’ll find a broad presentation of the permanent collection alongside two temporary exhibitions and a smaller rotating presentation. 

Museum MORE | Kasteel Ruurlo is something else altogether. First mentioned in records as early as 1326, the current castle dates to the 16th century and sits within a landscaped garden in the ever-interesting Achterhoek region.

Hans van Heeswijk took his talents from Gorssel to Ruurlo as well, making contemporary design feel at home in a building that has stood since the 1500s.

The atmosphere here is stately, enchanting, and deeply narrative. The permanent presentation centres on Carel Willink, one of the great Dutch magical realists, tracing the development of an artist who went from restless experimenter to unmatched master. 

One exhibition rotates on the upper floor at any given time, so it’s worth checking the Ruurlo website for the most up-to-date information. 

Practical information for your trip

Keen as a bean to check out Museum MORE? Here’s everything you need to know, from opening times and ticket prices to accessibility.

Gorssel

The museum Gorssel, located in a small but charming town in Gelderland, is easily reachable by car and public transport.

The museum is also fully wheelchair-accessible, with a dedicated entrance to the right of the main revolving door, a lift, loaner wheelchairs (free of charge, bookable up to 3 days in advance), and a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the ground floor. 

And don’t worry, you can bring the kids along! Children under 12 always get in free. The museum also has Kunsthuisjes: creative activity corners in the entrance hall where young visitors can draw, search, colour, and build their own still lifes. 

During school holidays, there are extra activities, family days, and interactive tours. A digital family audio tour is available year-round. Perfect for the summer break! 

The museum’s own Café MORE serves coffee and lunch, and is open even without a museum ticket.

Kasteel Ruurlo

Also located in Gelderland, Kasteel Ruurlo is easily accessed by car. In terms of accessibility, the castle has a lift and welcomes visitors with mobility needs, but it’s worth knowing what to expect before you arrive. 

As a historic building, it has some quirks, such as heavy doors and raised thresholds. Some rooms can still be accessed despite obstacles like these by alternative routes.

On the practical side, there’s a lift, a disabled toilet, a free loaner wheelchair, and reserved parking in the main car park. Bear in mind that the entrance to the castle is a short walk from where you park. 

Families are very welcome, and children under 12 enter for free. The sprawling castle grounds are a paradise to explore. What’s more, just next door to this location is the largest hedge maze (heggendoolhof) in the world! 

Within the castle grounds, the Oranjerie Ruurlo serves lunch with views over the castle and its English landscape garden, with no museum ticket required.

Have you visited Museum MORE or Kasteel Ruurlo? Tell us what surprised you most in the comments.