The History and Origins of Museum Martena
Museum Martena is located in Franeker, Friesland, in the Netherlands. The institution is housed within the Martenahuis, a building also known as the Martenastins or Martenahûs. This structure is a stins, a type of Frisian estate or city castle. Historical records indicate the building was commissioned by the chieftain Hessel van Martena. While some sources date the construction to 1506, other records suggest it was built in 1502.
The building has served various purposes throughout its history. It was once the site of a noble estate and later became the home of the city's historical collections. The museum officially opened to the public on 8 July 2006. It preserves the historical collection of Franeker and the archives and artifacts associated with the former University of Franeker.
The Architecture of the Martenahuis
The Martenahuis is a stins, or fortified estate, situated in the center of Franeker, Friesland. Located on the Voorstraat, the building is one of the best-preserved city castles in the region. Its structure is defined by thick walls and towers that reflect its origins as a defensive residence. The interior remains largely original, preserving the spatial character of the historical building.
Behind the main structure lies the Martenatuin, an adjoining garden and sculpture park. This outdoor space was designed in 1694 by Suffridus Westerhuis, following the style of André Le Nôtre. The garden underwent redecoration in 1834 by Lucas Pieters Roodbaard. The layout provides a structured transition between the stone architecture of the castle and the surrounding urban environment.
The Diverse Collections of the Museum
The museum functions as a portrait museum par excellence, holding a significant assembly of likenesses from the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries. A central component of this collection is a series of 99 portraits of professors from the University of Franeker, commissioned between 1580 and 1800. These works provide a visual record of the academic history of the region. The holdings include paintings, drawings, prints, applied arts, and sculptures by several notable artists, such as Jan Janszoon de Stomme, Adriaen van Cronenburgh, Jacob Backer, and Jan Claesz.
Beyond portraiture, the museum preserves a rare scientific resource: one of the few remaining xylotheques in the Netherlands. This collection of woodcut books contains 158 volumes and represents the largest assembly of its kind in the country. The museum's focus on the history of Franeker and the former University of Franeker is reflected in these diverse holdings, which bridge the gap between fine art and scientific study.
- Portrait of Johannes Maccovius, 1644
- Self-portrait, 1635
- Self-portrait, 1640
- Willem Kettingh, c. 1755
- Portrait of Anna Maria van Schurman, 1637
The Legacy of Anna Maria van Schurman
Museum Martena holds the largest collection of and about the scientist Anna Maria van Schurman. She was the first unofficial female university student in the Netherlands. Her presence in the history of Franeker is central to the museum's holdings. Visitors can examine her portrait and study her history within this institution dedicated to local history.
The museum owns several major works by van Schurman. These pieces include self-portraits, woodcarvings, etchings, pieces of embroidery, and cut paper designs. These objects provide a direct connection to her intellectual and creative life. The collection offers a specific view into the life of a woman who navigated the academic landscape of her time.
