I was not sure when I heard about this museum, Storyworld. A Dutch museum for comics, animation and games? I am not much of an enthusiast, so this could be a great learning experience.
It is located inside a multi-purpose building, Forum Groningen on the 6th floor, right in the heart of Groningen. It is just a small museum.
After getting my entry ticket, I was introduced to a comprehensive timeline outlining all comics, animation and games. From 101 AD to 2019!
Looking at the timeline, I remember playing Space Invaders (1978), Pac-Man (1980) and Donkey Kong (1981) when growing up. Did you know Tetris (1984) was invented in Russia?
I also remember watching TV series such as The Smurfs (1958), Batman: Animated Series (1992) and movies such as Prince of Persia (1989) and The Lion King (1994).
I feel old!
Up the stairs, the museum is divided into sections of storytelling, comics, animation and games. There are several interesting interactive activities. For example, try pulling crazy faces in front of a camera that are then scanned to show what emotions you exhibit. A great fun for all generations.
Grasp on how a storyline is developed in full circle. Get to know several Dutch comic characters.
Everything generally started with a simple pencil and ink on a blank sheet of paper. Future technical possibilities for telling stories are endless. Visitors can have a go at some games as well. Some stories on the wall about their origins. Some memorabilia on display.
My Storyworld museum visit took about an hour. You could easily double the time if you carefully go through the exhibits one by one. I skipped most of the subjects that I did not know.
Only for the fanatics.
Website: https://www.storyworld.nl/en
Address: Nieuwe Markt 1. 9712 KN Groningen. 6th floor Forum Groningen .
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays. Open on Mondays during school holidays.
Entrance Fees: €10.50 for adult, €7.50 for kids age 7 to 17 years old and FREE for all under 7 years old. FREE entry for Museumkaart holders.
Getting There: Nearest underground parking is Schoolstraat 16 9712 JS Groningen. About 18 minutes walk from Groningen station.
