Eindhoven is a city known for its colorful culture and cutting-edge innovation. It offers an array of must-see attractions for first-time visitors. Places like the Philips Museum and the PSV stadium attract thousands of yearly visitors. The city offers beautiful attractions to all kinds of people, whether you’re a sports fan, a history enthusiast, or an architecture admirer. If planning a city trip, you should look at the top things to see in Eindhoven.
List of 12 Things to See in Eindhoven
- Philips Museum
- Van Abbemuseum
- Evoluon
- DAF Museum
- St. Catherine’s Church
- Strijp-S District
- PSV Stadium
- De Blob
- Prehistoric Village
- Inkijkmuseum
- Tongelreep National Swimming Center
- Vesteda Tower
1. Philips Museum
The history of Philips, one of the top electronics businesses in the world, is fascinatingly revealed at the Philips Museum in Eindhoven. Situated in the very location where Gerard Philips began producing light bulbs in 1891, the museum was inaugurated to honor the company’s history in 2013. The interactive museum, spanning more than 1,200 square meters, showcases Philips’ advancements in consumer electronics, lighting, and healthcare.
The history of revolutionary items, which includes the 1918 invention of the X-ray tube and the 1927 release of the first Philips radio, is available for exploration by visitors. The museum also showcases Philips’ involvement in major international events, like World War II, during which the business moved to the US to be safe.
The ‘Innovation and You’ exhibition, which highlights Philips’ cutting-edge technological innovations in medical equipment and sustainable lighting solutions, is a must-see feature. Multimedia presentations, workshops, and guided tours offer more information on how the company transformed many industries.
2. Van Abbemuseum
One of the top museums for modern and contemporary art in Europe is the Van Abbemuseum, which is situated in Eindhoven. Henri van Abbe, a tobacco entrepreneur, founded the museum in 1936. Initially, it collected only Dutch art, but it soon grew to include artifacts from other countries. Presently, the museum is home to more than 3,000 pieces of art, including well-known pieces by Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, and El Lissitzky.
The museum’s physical edifice is a work of architectural beauty. The collection can be displayed dynamically and combines historical and modern viewpoints, thanks to this creative design. The Van Abbemuseum also prides itself on being an experimental space for dialogue and reflection on social issues, with exhibitions addressing topics like human rights, activism, and environmental concerns.
Apart from its ever-changing permanent collection, the museum organizes public events, educational programs, and rotating temporary exhibitions to introduce visitors to fresh perspectives on art. Every year, the Van Abbemuseum welcomes more than 100,000 people, enhancing Eindhoven’s standing as a center of culture. For individuals who like art and progressive ideas, the museum is a must-see because of its dedication to innovation and social engagement.
3. Evoluon
Eindhoven’s futuristic landmark, Evoluon, is a monument to creativity and advancement in technology. Constructed in 1966 as a 75th-anniversary celebration for electronics behemoth Philips, the Evoluon was initially intended to be a museum dedicated to science and technology. The construction was designed by engineer Leo de Bever and architect Louis Kalff, and it has a unique UFO-like shape. With a 77-meter diameter and a unique dome, it has become a city landmark.
Up until 1989, the Evoluon operated as a museum that attracted more than 500,000 visitors a year. It featured interactive displays that stimulated interest and creativity in subjects like electronics and space exploration. Although it closed as a museum due to high maintenance costs, the Evoluon has since been repurposed as a conference and event center, hosting business events, exhibitions, and seminars.
With an emphasis on sustainability, creativity, and the direction of technology, the Evoluon reopened in 2022 and assumed a new position as a cultural and technological hub. Its repurposed goal shows the question of how people interact with technology, perfectly combining Eindhoven’s industrial heritage with its progressive outlook. Historians and tech enthusiasts alike continue to be drawn to the Evoluon.
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4. DAF Museum
Established in 1928 by Hub van Doorne, the Dutch truck manufacturer DAF (Van Doorne’s Aanhangwagen Fabriek) has a long history that is celebrated in the DAF Museum in Eindhoven. Housed in one of DAF’s earliest industrial buildings, which were utilized for trailer production before the business expanded into truck manufacturing in 1949, the museum was formally dedicated in 1993.
The museum, which occupies more than 9,000 square meters, provides a thorough look at DAF’s development, from its early trailer models to the cutting-edge trucks that elevated the company to the top of the commercial vehicle industry worldwide. More than 120 vehicles, including military trucks, vintage DAF automobiles from the 1960s and 1970s, early prototypes, and contemporary heavy-duty vehicles, are housed in the museum’s collection. One of the most notable exhibits is the DAF 600, introduced in 1958 as the world’s first car with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a technological breakthrough at the time.
The DAF Museum offers a thorough overview of the company’s engineering discoveries and contributions to the automobile industry through interactive displays, historical papers, and scale models. It is a must-visit location for car lovers and people interested in Eindhoven’s industrial past, drawing more than 60,000 visitors a year.
5. St. Catherine’s Church
Eindhoven’s St. Catherine’s Church (Sint-Catharinakerk) is a magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture with a rich past. Renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, created the church, which was constructed between 1861 and 1867. Two older medieval churches that were erected in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria in the 13th century once stood where the present church is located.
The 73-meter-tall twin towers of the church, David and Maria, dominate Eindhoven’s skyline. St. Catherine’s Church is renowned for its exquisite sculptures, rose windows, and delicate stained-glass windows. The church’s ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and pointed arches all added to its luxury, and it was greatly influenced by French Gothic churches.
The church sustained extensive damage during World War II, but it was painstakingly renovated afterward to guarantee its survival as a testament to Eindhoven’s tenacity. St. Catherine’s Church’s architectural and cultural significance was highlighted when it was named a national monument in 1972. Due to its remarkable design and rich history, it is still a bustling Catholic parish and a well-liked tourist destination today. Its superb acoustics are also frequently utilized for performances.
6. Strijp-S District
Eindhoven’s Strijp-S District is a thriving, dynamic neighborhood that has evolved from an industrial center into a destination for the arts and culture. Strijp-S, once the center of the Philips industrial complex, housed several factories, labs, and offices where inventions such as the first Philips radios and light bulbs were created. The early 20th century saw the district’s industrial development, and Philips operated here from 1916 until the late 1990s.
Beginning in the early 2000s, Strijp-S had a huge urban renewal following Philips’ eventual departure. With former factory buildings converted into lofts, cafés, art galleries, design studios, and offices for entrepreneurs, it serves as a model of adaptive reuse today. The district spans 27 hectares and has become Eindhoven’s creative heart, drawing artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Key landmarks include the iconic Klokgebouw, which now hosts events, concerts, and exhibitions, and the Veemgebouw, a former warehouse transformed into a hub for food and design.
Major events like Dutch Design Week are held at Strijp-S, which welcomes over 350,000 visitors a year. The dynamic and forward-thinking nature of Eindhoven is reflected in Strijp-S, which blends modern projects with heritage buildings and creative spaces. For those with an interest in technology, urban culture, and design, it is a must-see.
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7. PSV Stadium
One of the most successful football teams in the Netherlands, PSV Eindhoven, plays its home games at the PSV Stadium, also known as Philips Stadion. Since its opening in 1913, the stadium has played a legendary role in the sports culture of the city. It was renamed Philips Stadion in 1998 in honor of its sponsor, Philips after being known as the Philips Sport Vereniging Stadium at first.
The stadium, which can hold about 35,000 people, is well-known for its cutting-edge amenities and intense atmosphere. The stadium saw extensive renovations in 1986, including the addition of new stands to enhance the viewing experience and the construction of a new roof. The latest redevelopment project, completed in 2014, further modernized the stadium with new VIP areas, improved media facilities, and upgraded seating arrangements.
The Philips Stadion is renowned for its involvement in European sporting events. The European Cup victory of PSV Eindhoven in 1988 is a historic occasion that is honored within the stadium. Besides sports, the stadium also holds corporate gatherings and concerts, which enhances its cultural relevance.
8. De Blob
Situated in Eindhoven, Netherlands, De Blob is an architecturally remarkable and inventive structure. John Körmeling, the architect, created this striking building, which was finished in 2006. The building’s moniker, “De Blob,” alludes to its unusual blob-like shape, which is distinguished by its futuristic, smooth architecture and organic curves.
The transparent, bubble-like glass and steel facade of De Blob, which is located close to the high-tech zone and at the crossroads of the city’s main commercial districts, makes it stand out. The building’s distinctive form broke from conventional rectilinear architecture in an attempt to generate a sense of fluidity and synergy with its urban surroundings.
De Blob is a representation of Eindhoven’s standing as a creative and innovative city. Its audacious, unorthodox style highlights the city’s reputation as a center for innovative technology and architecture, making it a standout example of modern urban design.
9. Prehistoric Village
Experience life as it was during the Stone, Bronze, and Iron Ages at Eindhoven’s Prehistoric Village (Prehistorisch Dorp). Since its 1995 opening, this outdoor museum has faithfully and historically authentically reconstructed homes, tools, and everyday activities to reproduce the lifestyle of an old hamlet.
The Prehistoric Village, which spans around 10 hectares, features several historically accurate reconstructions of homes, including Iron Age longhouses and Bronze Age thatched huts. The village’s interactive displays of traditional crafts, including weaving, flint knapping, and pottery manufacturing, are intended to allow visitors a hands-on experience. To learn more about prehistoric technology and customs, visitors can take part in workshops and see artisans working with age-old methods.
A system of walking trails on the property leads to several historical sites, such as an old agricultural plot and a recreated burial mound. Year-round special activities and reenactments highlight the seasonal variations and cultural customs of prehistoric cultures.
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10. Inkijkmuseum
Inkijkmuseum is a unique and interactive museum devoted to the study of design science and art. The museum was founded in 2014 and is situated in the innovative and creative Strijp-S neighborhood. The term “Inkijkmuseum,” which means “Peek-In Museum,” refers to the idea that it offers an intimate glimpse into the inner workings of several design disciplines and the design process itself.
The museum is housed in a former industrial structure, and its layout aims to give guests an intimate look at design processes. The displays, which highlight the development of design, creative ideas, and the influence of design on day-to-day living, are frequently organized in cooperation with researchers, designers, and artists.
The museum’s changing exhibitions, which highlight innovative design initiatives and interactive installations, are among its most notable aspects. The public is also introduced to current and emerging trends in design through workshops, talks, and other events held at the Inkijkmuseum.
11. Tongelreep National Swimming Center
One of the best venues in the Netherlands for competitive swimming and water sports is the Tongelreep National Swimming Center, which is situated in Eindhoven. Established in 2006, this cutting-edge facility offers a variety of aquatic amenities and was intended to serve both the general public and professional sportsmen.
The facility has an Olympic-sized swimming pool with eight lanes that can be used for training sessions and international competitions. It also features a separate dive pool with platforms as high as 10 meters and a 25-meter training pool. The state-of-the-art equipment at the facility, which includes computerized timing systems and superior lighting, guarantees ideal swimming conditions.
The Tongelreep National Swimming Center offers a variety of facilities along with its pools, such as a fitness center, relaxation rooms, and seating for spectators. Throughout the year, the center holds several events, such as diving meets, synchronized swimming contests, and national and international swimming championships.
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12. Vesteda Tower
Located in Eindhoven, Netherlands, the Vesteda Tower, also called the Vesteda Toren, is a noteworthy high-rise structure. Standing at 76 meters (249 ft) high, this 18-story skyscraper is among the city’s highest structures. It was completed in 2004. It is a unique element of the Eindhoven skyline that captures the essence of the city’s contemporary urbanization and architecture.
The Vesteda Tower, created by the architectural firm Architekten Cie, is renowned for its eye-catching, modern style. A glass curtain wall that lets in plenty of natural light and gives the building a reflecting, modern aspect is what defines its front. The tower is regarded as a prominent example of high-rise architecture in Eindhoven because of its modernist and utilitarian design aspects.
The building’s main use is as a collection of residential apartments, with smaller studios and larger, more opulent apartments available. In Eindhoven, the Vesteda Tower is a sought-after residence because of its excellent construction and picturesque views of the city and surroundings.
Conclusion:
Eindhoven is a city of innovation that attracts over 700,000 annual visitors. For example, the Philips Museum draws more than 80,000 visitors each year. Van Abbemuseum holds over 2,700 contemporary art pieces, while Strijp-S has transformed into a creative hub for over 1,000 startups and design studios. The iconic PSV Stadium seats 35,000 fans, and the Prehistoric Village spans 10 hectares. You can find almost everything you need to make your trip memorable in Eindhoven. So, pack your bags and have a look at the top things to see in Eindhoven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What Is Eindhoven Best Known For?
Eindhoven is best known for being the birthplace of Philips and a major tech hub. It is also home to the iconic PSV Stadium and hosts Dutch Design Week, attracting over 350,000 visitors annually.
What Is Special in Eindhoven?
Eindhoven stands out for its innovation in design and technology, with attractions like the Strijp-S District and Van Abbemuseum.
Is It Worth Visiting Eindhoven?
Yes, Eindhoven is worth visiting for its unique combination of industrial heritage, modern architecture, and cultural events. Over 700,000 people visit the city’s museums, galleries, and creative districts annually.
Is 1 Day Enough for Eindhoven?
Yes, you can visit the main attractions of the city in one day. One day allows for visits to key sites like the Philips Museum, Strijp-S, and the PSV Stadium.
How Many People Live in Eindhoven?
Eindhoven has a population of around 370,276 in 2024.
Is Eindhoven an Expensive City?
Eindhoven is a relatively cheap city to live in or even visit. According to reports, the city is 36.6% cheaper than New York.
