The Nationaal Biermuseum occupies the former De Boom brewery, a working brewhouse from the 17th century that brewed beer continuously into the 20th. The exhibits run from the medieval guild system through the great Dutch brewing dynasties and on to the present-day craft scene. Old copper kettles, mash tuns, malt mills, and a coopers' workshop are preserved in situ.
The visit ends in the proeflokaal (tasting room) at street level, where you can sample a flight of Dutch beers — large brewers and small. The café is one of the better beer bars in town in its own right, with a long tap list and bottles to take home. Allow an hour and a half, longer if you settle in for tasting.