Exploring All Things Miffy In Utrecht: A Guide For Nijntje Fans
Utrecht, a beautiful city in the Netherlands, is home to one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature Miffy. Known as Nijntje in Dutch, this small, lovable white bunny has captured the hearts of generations since her creation. For instance If you’re a fan of Miffy or just curious about her story, Utrecht is the perfect place to explore. Utrecht has many places dedicated to the Miffy legacy, with museums to streets and even traffic lights! In this blog post, I will guide you on how to discover all the Miffy related spots in Utrecht. With a bit of history about Miffy, her creator Dick Bruna, and everything this beautiful city has to offer.
At the bottom of this post you can find my Ultimate Miffy Map to help you explore Utrecht stress free. This map includes everything you need to find the best Miffy spots in the city as well as in Amsterdam and more.
The Origins of Miffy…
Miffy, whose real name is Nijntje, was first introduced to the world by Dick Bruna in 1955. In the Netherlands they pronounce Nijntje like “Nine-tyuh”. The name “Nijntje” is a diminutive of “Konijntje,” meaning “little rabbit” in Dutch. Bruna, a graphic designer and illustrator, created her as a simple, cute character for his young son. However when the the first book, Nijntje, was completed it was an instant success.
Miffy is a child like rabbit with no mouth, allowing children to project their emotions onto her. She is known for her kindness, curiosity which has made her an iconic figure in children’s books worldwide. Over time, Miffy’s stories have been translated into dozens of languages, with millions of copies sold globally. The minimalist design and universal appeal of Nijntje have made her not just a Dutch treasure but an international phenomenon.
The History of Dick Bruna…
Dick Bruna the creator of Nijntje was born in 1927 in Utrecht. He was a multifaceted artist best known for his work in children’s literature. Though he had a background in graphic design, he had a special love for children’s books. His works were often inspired by his own experiences as a father and his observations of the world around him.
Bruna’s simple yet timeless designs set his books apart from others. His works, including the creation of Miffy, have earned him international acclaim. To this day Miffy’s stories continuing to inspire children, families, and even art lovers. Utrecht, Bruna’s hometown, has become a living tribute to his work, with many places throughout the city that celebrate Miffy and her creator.
Utrecht And How It Ties To Miffy…
The City of Utrecht is a picturesque city in the Netherlands, known for its medieval old town, canals, and vibrant cultural life. It is here in this charming city that Miffy came to life in the mind of Dick Bruna. As the birthplace of Miffy, Utrecht offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of this iconic bunny.
The city is home to several key locations that help highlight Nijntjs history in this city and brings her to life. Whether you’re walking through the streets, visiting a museum, or simply enjoying the art around you, there’s plenty to discover. Below are some of the must see Miffy related spots in Utrecht.
The Top Miffy Spots Around Utrecht…
Nijntje Pleintje (Miffy Square)
Located in the heart of Utrecht, Nijntje Pleintje is a small square that pays homage to Miffy. This is a great starting point for any Miffy tour, as the square has a small little statue in the middle featuring Nijntje. The square is often buzzing with both locals and tourists who come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the Miffy-themed art. It is especially beautiful in the summer when the square is surrounded by flowers.
How to get there: Nijntje Pleintje is located just a short walk from Utrecht’s main shopping area. You can easily reach it by foot or bicycle from the central station.
Prices: Free to visit!
Nijntje Museum (Miffy Museum)
One of the most important stops related to Miffy is the Nijntje Museum. This museum, located near the central station, is dedicated entirely to the life and work of Dick Bruna and his beloved character Miffy. It offers a fun and interactive experience for children and adults featuring exhibitions that bring the world of Miffy to life.
The museum showcases Dick Bruna’s art, including illustrations, sketches, and design work. It also dives into the history of Miffy and her impact on children’s literature. The museum has various play areas where children can explore Miffy’s world, and there are often special events and exhibitions for families to enjoy.
Do note that this museum is more of a children’s playground then an actual museum. When I went to go visit the staff there actually told me I might not be that interested in it as it is so child focused. With that said I would recommend visiting after 3pm if you want to see it to try and avoid the younger children.
In the wintertime the museum actually holds a small light show from 5pm-11pm. It is completely free to see and it’s such a cute addition to the museum itself.
How to get there: The Nijntje Museum is located near the Central Station and is just a 10 minute walk from there. You can easily find it by following the signs around the area or using Google Maps.
Prices:
Adults: €10
Children (3-12 years old): €7
Free for children under 3
I would advise to book in advance especially during the school holidays as like I said it is very child focused and can book out fast for children’s parties etc.
Centraal Museum
The Centraal Museum is another key location in Utrecht that celebrates Dick Bruna’s work. Located just oppposite the Nijntje Museum the musem isn’t exclusively dedicated to Miffy. It has a significant collection of Bruna’s art and showcases the broader influence of his work. The museum also has an impressive replica of Dick Bruna’s actuall studio where he created Miffy. Here you can also learn about the history of Miffy and get an insight on how she was created. The museum also houses various exhibitions on Dutch design and art, including Bruna’s illustrations, design work, and contributions to children’s literature.
How to get there: The Centraal Museum is located in the heart of Utrecht and is about a 10 minute walk from the Central Station.
Prices:
Adults: €15
Students: €10
Children (under 18): Free.
Utrecht Central Station
Utrecht’s Central Station is not only a transport hub but also a wonderful place to spot Miffy related art. At the station, you’ll find a Miffy statue and murals depicting the character. One of the most popular Miffy art is an old train carriage actually covered in Miffy herself.
How to get there: As the city’s main train station, Central Station is easily accessible by train, bus, or tram from any part of Utrecht.
Prices: Free to visit!
The miffy Traffic Light
Beside Utrechts shopping distract you can find the Miffy traffic light. A small little tribute to the bunny. At this traffic light, instead of the usual green man, you’ll see a little Miffy figure, signalling when it’s safe to cross the street. This adorable feature has become a symbol of Utrecht’s affection for Miffy and adds a cute touch to the city.
How to get there: The Miffy Traffic Light is located right beside Utrechts main shopping centre, Hoog Catharijne.
Prices: Free to visit!
Marriaplaats
Another Miffy gem hidden among Utrechts shopping distract is located on Marriaplaats. Here you will find a statue of the famous bunny but this time with a small twist. This statue has been created to give an ode to her creator Dick Bruna. On one side you will find Miffy but on the other you will see a cartoon version of her creator. This staute is an adorable little nod to Miffys creator from the city he lived in.
How to get there: Marriaplaats is located just a short walk from the Nijnjte Traffic Light and is easily accessible by foot or bike.
Price: Free to visit!
Conclusion…
Utrecht is a city that honors its artistic heritage and the world of Miffy. From the Nijntje Museum to the Nijntje traffic light, Utrecht offers a wide range of places to visit for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Dick Bruna’s world. Whether you’re traveling with children or rediscovering the joy of Miffy’s stories, the city provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.
Personally exploring Utrecht looking for Miffy was the best way to explore the city itself. There are so many hidden gems within the city and Miffy is only one. I was so happy when i had the chance to explore the home of Miffy as she has always been one of my favourite characters growing up. From her unique style to Dick Brunas writing she has always been able to transport children to her world.
So, next time you find yourself in the Netherlands, make sure to explore Utrecht and uncover the many Miffy treasures hidden around the city. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, there’s no better place to celebrate this beloved bunny. I have only highlighted a few of the Nijntje gems around Utrechts, as after posting my guide to Instagram/TikTok I was told there is so much more! So do let me know in the comments if you know of any other Miffy gems or if you go exploring Utrecht and come across something new.
Miffy Map of Utrecht
If you’re looking to explore all of the top Miffy spots around The Netherlands but you don’t know where to start. Check out my Miffy map below which includes all of the best Miffy spots as well as a guide on where and how to get to each spot.