The monumental Kropholler block in Waalwijk has seen the emergence of a dynamic meeting place where craftsmanship, innovation, and creativity come together. The new Shoe Quarter does justice to this Dutch town, known for its leather and shoe industry. Spread across three floors themed ‘making’, ‘meeting’, and ‘marvelling’, the museum takes a refreshing approach to teaching visitors all about shoes and the materials they are made from. Ranging from shoe design and production to shoe fashion over time.

On the ground floor, visitors are taken through the various steps of the craft. Here, they are invited to do more than look and learn: they get to experience the work for themselves. The first floor tells The story of Langstraat. Visitors wander around the exhibition on the history of the region, and the rise, fall, and preservation of its industry. One flight up, they come upon the icons of the shoe world. How have shoes been shaped by their wearers, use, and fashion?