The Peel

The Peel section opens with the private collection of the biologist Jan Vriends (1901-1992). He wanted to inspire people to a better understanding and respect for nature. He achieved this by teaching biology and writing nature books. He founded the Jan Vriends Nature Study Centre in Asten in 1973 to show off his collection. Supported by nature-lovers this collection was expanded to help him instruct people about local wild life. In 1975 he was joined in Ostaderstraat by the National Carillon Museum. These two collections became the Museum Klok & Peel. Although Jan Vriends’ was a world collection, the museum now specialises in the natural history of the Peel region. The promotion of knowledge and study aimed at improving the natural environment is one of Jan Vriends’s aims adopted by the museum today.

Acquisition policy

Acquisitions by the museum come primarily from the natural history, paleaontology and flora and fauna of South-East Brabant and Middle Limburg. The collection is shown in relation to the natural and cultural historical context of the region.

The Collection

The insect and palaeontology collections are especially important in the natural history of the region. Next come the collections of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, flora, fungi and a small number of ancient cultural artefacts.

There are various exhibitions about the Peel to be seen in the museum.