City Hall Square possibly new location for National Video Game Museum

The National Videogame Museum attracted about 56,000 visitors in 2019, when it was still located in the Passage of the Stadshart. Since August 2023, the museum has been temporarily housed on Luxembourg Avenue. For 2024, the number of visitors, including school visits, is estimated at about 77,000. With the move to the new building, this number could grow to 100,000 visitors per year.

Investment

The college proposes to provide a budget of € 2,155,000 for furnishing the new location. In addition, an investment budget of € 467,286 has been reserved for architectural and technical modifications to the premises. In the start-up phase, the museum will receive additional subsidies to support operating costs and housing guidance.

In addition to the investment made by the municipality, research has shown that the permanent establishment of the museum has a social benefit side of €1,150,000 per year. This amount follows from expenses incurred by visitors to the museum over and above the entrance fee and the museum's appeal to tourists.

Cultural Vision 2030

The establishment of the National Videogame Museum fits well with the objectives of the Cultural Vision 2030, the Inner City Vision and the Vision Zoetermeer 2040. The museum strengthens the cultural offering in Zoetermeer, increases the attractiveness of the city and contributes to a lively city center. Alderman Blansjaar (Culture) emphasizes the unique character of the museum: "The National Videogame Museum not only offers entertainment, but also stimulates talent development in combination with culture, history, technology and education. With the new location we strengthen the cultural offer in Zoetermeer and make the city a place where creativity and innovation come together."