Groningen: Storyworld Museum at Forum Groningen

Storyworld turns comics, animation, and games into something you can play with, not just look at. On the sixth floor of Forum Groningen, you can see original work linked to The Lion King, Batman, Tintin, and Asterix, then try making a cartoon, stop-motion video, or game yourself.

I like the mix of international names and hands-on stations, and I like that your museum ticket also puts you inside Forum Groningen, one of the city’s most useful modern public buildings. The main thing to consider is that the public rating is 3.6 from five reviews, so you should choose Storyworld for its subject matter and interactive format rather than expect a large traditional museum.

Key points

• Original work from famous productions: See material connected with The Lion King, Batman, Tintin, Asterix, Shaun the Sheep, and Horizon Forbidden West.
• Hands-on learning: Interactive installations explain how cartoons and games work.
• Make something yourself: Try creating a cartoon, stop-motion video, or game.
• Sixth-floor location: Storyworld is inside Forum Groningen, which also has a library, cinema, exhibition rooms, and a roof terrace.
• Practical access: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with information in Dutch and English.
• Flexible booking: The ticket costs $12 per person, is valid for one day, and can be canceled up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Storyworld on the sixth floor of Forum Groningen

Storyworld is not a grand, old-fashioned museum with rows of glass cases. It is a compact, modern museum built around three linked forms of storytelling: comics, animation, and games. That makes it a good match for you if you want to understand how pictures, movement, sound, and player choices turn an idea into a finished work.

The museum sits on the sixth floor of Forum Groningen. That location matters because Forum is more than a museum building. It includes a library, a cinema, two exhibition rooms, and a roof terrace with a view across the city. You can make Storyworld part of a longer Forum stop instead of treating it as an isolated attraction.

The ticket is $12 per person. That is a fair price if you plan to spend time with the interactive displays and make use of the rest of the building. It is less convincing if you only want a quick look at original artwork. The available information does not give a fixed visit length, so plan around your own interest rather than a set tour schedule.

Original work from The Lion King to Horizon Forbidden West

The collection’s biggest draw is its range. You may see original work tied to international productions such as The Lion King and Batman, alongside Tintin, Asterix, Shaun the Sheep, and Horizon Forbidden West. These names cover very different styles, from comic panels and hand-drawn characters to animation and large-scale digital game worlds.

That variety helps you compare how stories are built in different media. A comic has to guide your eye from panel to panel. Animation creates the illusion of movement from many separate images. A game adds player control and a set of rules. Storyworld’s subject is not just the finished character or scene, but the work behind it.

The current display can change, so check the museum’s website before you book. The named productions give you a sense of the material you might encounter, but they should not be treated as a permanent checklist. If one particular title is the reason you want to visit, confirm the current exhibition first.

Interactive stations that explain how stories work

Storyworld is designed to teach through activity. Instead of simply reading about comic layouts, animation, or game design, you can use interactive installations to see how these forms function. That approach is especially useful for children, but it also gives adults a clearer sense of the decisions behind familiar entertainment.

You might start by looking at how a cartoon communicates an action or emotion with only images. From there, the museum’s activities connect visual choices to movement, timing, and play. The point is not to memorize technical terms. You are encouraged to test an idea, see what changes, and notice why a scene or character works.

This is where the museum earns its description as kidsproof. Children can press, build, arrange, and experiment instead of being told not to touch anything. Parents may appreciate that the activities have a clear purpose, rather than being random buttons added for decoration.

The tradeoff is that an interactive museum depends on your willingness to participate. If you prefer long, quiet labels and a large collection of historic objects, Storyworld may feel light. If you enjoy learning by doing, its format makes the visit easier to follow.

Create a cartoon, stop-motion video, or game

The most personal part of the visit is the chance to make something yourself. Storyworld lets you create a cartoon, a stop-motion video, or a game. You do not have to arrive with drawing skills or a technical background. The value is in seeing how a small idea changes when you give it characters, movement, sequence, or rules.

Creating a cartoon shows you how a story can be reduced to a few clear images. A stop-motion video makes timing visible, since movement is built from separate steps. A game asks you to think differently, because the person playing must interact with the design rather than simply watch it.

You should give these activities enough time. A rushed visit may leave you looking at the displays without getting to the part that makes Storyworld different from a standard exhibition. The ticket is valid for one day, but the supplied information does not promise a specific number of hours or multiple admissions, so check the current conditions when booking.

These stations also make the museum useful for families with children who have different interests. One child may prefer comics, another may want to build a game, and an adult may enjoy seeing how animation is assembled. The experience does not depend on everyone liking the same franchise.

What the Forum Groningen setting adds

Forum Groningen gives you useful extras before or after the museum. The building contains a library, a cinema, two exhibition rooms, and a roof terrace. The roof terrace is particularly worthwhile if you want a broad view of Groningen after your museum visit.

The building itself adds a sense of place to the outing. You are not just entering a themed attraction and leaving again. You can combine a visit to Storyworld with another Forum activity, then head outside for a city view. The ticket information specifically includes the chance to visit the spectacular Forum Groningen building, but it does not say that every other facility is included in the Storyworld admission. Treat those as separate parts of the building unless the current rules say otherwise.

This is also a practical choice for a flexible day in Groningen. Because the admission is valid for one day and the booking can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance, you can fit it around other plans. The reserve-now, pay-later option may help if you are still arranging your schedule.

Languages, access, and the practical details

Information is offered in Dutch and English. The host or greeter support is also listed in Dutch and English, so English-speaking visitors should be able to use the museum without needing a Dutch-speaking companion.

Storyworld is wheelchair accessible. That is an important point for anyone planning a museum visit inside a larger public building. The available details do not describe every route, lift, seating area, or exhibit clearance, so contact Forum Groningen directly if you need precise access information for a particular requirement.

The museum is on the sixth floor. You should allow a little extra time to find the correct part of Forum Groningen, especially if you are visiting the building for the first time. The activity listing does not provide a fixed start time. Check availability for the times offered on your chosen date.

There is no named personal guide attached to this experience. It is best understood as a museum visit with information and host support, rather than a guided walking tour or a presentation led by one specialist.

Who will get the most from Storyworld?

Storyworld suits families, young visitors, comic fans, animation followers, and people who enjoy games. It is also a good pick if you want an activity that does not depend on strong Dutch language skills, since information is available in English and Dutch.

You will probably get the most from it if you like trying things yourself. The museum’s appeal rests on its interactive installations and creative activities as much as on the original material. A parent can join in, a comic reader can focus on the artwork, and a game fan can think about how rules and player choices shape an experience.

It may be less suitable if you want a major museum devoted to one artist, one franchise, or a long chronological history. The material spans several media, so the visit is broad rather than narrowly focused. The current exhibition also matters, and you should check the website if you have a specific subject in mind.

The rating of 3.6 from five reviews gives you only a limited public signal. I would not use that number alone to reject the museum, but I would keep your expectations measured. Storyworld is a specialized, interactive attraction inside Forum Groningen, not one of Groningen’s main art museums.

Is the $12 ticket good value?

At $12, the ticket is reasonably priced for an activity that combines original creative work with hands-on stations. The value improves if you take time to create a cartoon, stop-motion video, or game, and if you also explore the Forum building and roof terrace.

The value is weaker for a very short visit. Since there is no stated tour duration, you should not assume that admission guarantees a full morning or afternoon of entertainment. Your experience will depend on the current exhibition, how busy the interactive areas are, and how much time you spend experimenting.

The one-day validity gives you flexibility, but it does not automatically mean you can leave and return. Confirm the current admission terms if that matters to your plans. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, which reduces the risk of booking before your Groningen schedule is settled.

Should you book Storyworld?

Book Storyworld if you like comics, animation, games, or creative activities and want a family-friendly museum where you can make as well as look. The combination of original work, interactive displays, and the Forum Groningen roof terrace gives you several good reasons to spend part of your day there.

I would check the current exhibition before paying, especially if you are visiting for a particular title such as Batman, The Lion King, or Horizon Forbidden West. If you want a large collection or a formal guided tour, choose another museum. If you want a playful introduction to how stories are drawn, animated, and programmed, $12 is a sensible price.

FAQ

Where is Storyworld located?

Storyworld is on the sixth floor of Forum Groningen in Groningen, Netherlands.

How much does admission cost?

Admission costs $12 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for one day. Check availability for the starting times offered on your chosen date.

Which languages are available?

Information is offered in Dutch and English. Host or greeter support is also listed in Dutch and English.

Is Storyworld wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Storyworld is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I see original work from famous productions?

Yes. The museum presents original work connected with productions and characters including The Lion King, Batman, Tintin, Asterix, Shaun the Sheep, and Horizon Forbidden West. The current exhibition may change, so check the website before visiting.

Can I make something at the museum?

Yes. You can create your own cartoon, stop-motion video, or game using the interactive installations.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.