Groningen: Storyworld Museum at Forum Groningen

If you’re visiting Groningen and have an interest in comics, animation, or video games, the Storyworld Museum located in Forum Groningen is an experience worth considering. This museum offers a hands-on, engaging way to explore the creative process behind your favorite characters and stories. While it’s especially appealing to families and younger visitors, the interactive exhibits and original artwork from well-known productions also make it an interesting stop for enthusiasts of all ages.

One thing we particularly like about this museum is its interactive approach—it’s not just about looking at displays but actively participating in making cartoons or games. However, if you’re not traveling with kids or are expecting a large-scale art exhibit, this might feel more like a fun workshop than a traditional museum visit. Overall, it’s a lively, educational choice for those wanting a playful glimpse into the world of animation and games, especially suited for families or creative minds.

Key Points

• Interactive exhibits allow you to create your own cartoons, stop-motion videos, or games
• Original works from international productions like The Lion King, Batman, and Horizon Forbidden West are on display
• The museum is located on the sixth floor of Forum Groningen, with additional attractions like a library, cinema, and roof terrace
• Multiple languages (Dutch and English) make the experience accessible for international visitors
• The museum is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• The experience is valid for one day, so plan your visit accordingly

What is the Storyworld Museum in Groningen?

The Storyworld Museum in Groningen is a vibrant space dedicated to comics, animation, and video games, making it a standout attraction within the Forum Groningen complex. Unlike traditional museums, it emphasizes hands-on learning and creativity, allowing visitors to understand what goes into making animated films or interactive games. Its location on the sixth floor offers fantastic views of the city from the roof terrace, adding a scenic element to your visit.

The museum’s core appeal lies in its ability to bring animation to life. Original artwork from iconic productions such as Tintin, Asterix, The Lion King, Shaun the Sheep, and Horizon Forbidden West allows visitors to get a peek at the craftsmanship behind well-loved characters. These displays are a treasure for fans and collectors who want to see how these worlds are brought to the screen.

What Will You See and Do?

Exhibits of Original Works
One of the main draws here is the chance to view authentic original artwork and concept sketches from international films and series. For instance, seeing the work behind The Lion King or Batman offers a tangible connection to these classic stories. As one reviewer noted, it’s fascinating “to see how animation comes to life,” and the fact that you can observe original pieces adds a layer of authenticity and educational value.

Interactive Learning Stations
The museum excels at blending education with fun. You can learn about the process of creating comics, animations, and video games through interactive installations. Visitors often comment on how they enjoy actively participating—whether that’s creating a cartoon, experimenting with stop-motion videos, or designing simple games. One visitor said, “You really feel like you’re stepping into another world,” which captures the immersive vibe.

Create Your Own Content
A major highlight is the opportunity to create your own cartoons, stop-motion videos, or games. This aspect makes the visit memorable for families and younger guests, but also for adults who enjoy being hands-on. The exhibits are geared to encourage creativity, providing tools and guidance for beginners and more experienced creators alike.

The Setting and Additional Attractions
Along With the exhibits, the museum resides within the larger Forum Groningen building, which houses a library, cinema, and exhibition spaces. The roof terrace with city views offers a relaxing spot after exploring the exhibits. This combination makes the visit both educational and leisurely, with plenty of space to unwind or continue your cultural exploration.

The Experience for Different Visitors

Families and Kids
Reviewers highlight how kid-friendly and engaging the museum is. The interactive elements are designed to be safe and accessible for children, and the opportunity to actively participate makes it a memorable outing. The museum’s playful vibe is perfect for younger visitors wanting to see their favorite characters or learn how cartoons are made.

Animation and Game Enthusiasts
While the focus is on creativity and education, fans of animation and gaming will appreciate the original artworks and behind-the-scenes insights. The chance to see work from popular productions like Horizon Forbidden West and Shaun the Sheep makes it particularly appealing.

Casual Visitors
For those not deeply into animation, the visual displays and the chance to create your own provide enough entertainment. The unstructured, playful approach means you can spend as little or as much time as you like, making it a flexible stop during a day of exploring Groningen.

Practical Information and Value

The ticket price includes museum entry and access to all interactive stations, making it a good value considering the level of engagement offered. With free cancellation available up to 24 hours beforehand, you can plan your visit without stress.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, and the staff provides information in both Dutch and English, helping international visitors feel comfortable. The check availability for starting times because your visit is valid for just one day, and times may vary.

What Reviewers Say

Feedback from visitors is generally positive, with a rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on six reviews. Giona praised it as “leuk om te zien hoe animatie tot leven komt” (fun to see how animation comes to life), emphasizing the active participation aspect that makes visitors feel like they’re entering a different world. Another reviewer simply called it “mestory world,” hinting at its playful, story-driven theme.

While some reviews highlight that the experience is especially suitable for children and families, others appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see original artwork. The interactive exhibits and the possibility to create something yourself are recurrent themes that make the museum stand out.

The Sum Up

The Storyworld Museum at Forum Groningen offers a captivating blend of art, technology, and creativity. It’s especially well-suited for families with kids, animation enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how cartoons and games are made. The interactive stations mean you won’t just be looking at displays but actively engaging with the process, which adds value to the experience.

Pricing is reasonable considering the hands-on activities and exclusive artwork on display. The location within the larger Forum Groningen complex makes it a convenient stop, with extra amenities like a roof terrace providing a scenic break.

If you’re after an experience that combines education with fun, and you want to see the original creations behind popular media, this museum is a smart choice. It’s a lively, creative space that caters to all ages and skill levels, making your visit to Groningen both memorable and inspiring.

Who Should Visit?

This experience is ideal for families with children, animation fans, and creative individuals looking to understand more about how stories are brought to life on screen. It’s also perfect for those who enjoy interactive exhibits and want a more hands-on approach than traditional museums offer. If you’re traveling with kids or are simply curious about the art and technology of animation and gaming, you’ll find plenty to love here.

FAQ

Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, the museum is very kid-friendly with interactive stations designed for younger visitors, making it an engaging and educational outing for children.

Are there facilities for wheelchair users?
Absolutely, the museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the exhibits comfortably.

How long does a typical visit last?
While the experience is valid for one day, visitors often spend a few hours exploring the exhibits and participating in activities. The exact duration depends on personal interest and pace.

Are guides available during the visit?
The experience offers information in both Dutch and English, and the guides or staff are knowledgeable, enhancing the learning aspect of your visit.

Can I create my own cartoon or game?
Yes, the museum provides interactive stations where you can create cartoons, stop-motion videos, or simple games, making it a fun, hands-on experience.

Is the ticket price good value?
Considering the access to original artworks and the opportunity to actively participate, the ticket offers good value for an engaging, family-friendly activity.

What is the location like?
Situated on the sixth floor of Forum Groningen, the museum offers additional attractions like a library, cinema, and a roof terrace with views of Groningen.

Do I need to book in advance?
It’s recommended to check availability for starting times and book ahead, especially during busy periods, but the tickets can be canceled for free up to 24 hours in advance.