Royal Racing. Speed, Power and Glamour
May 13 – November 23
Discover the origins of motorsport at Museum Huis Doorn. While racing is more popular than ever in the Netherlands today, over a century ago it was already making a significant mark on society.
Prince Heinrich: Racing Driver and Brother of Kaiser Wilhelm
The former resident of Huis Doorn, the German Emperor Wilhelm II, and his brother Prince Heinrich, were passionate advocates of the automobile as a new mode of transport. In 1904, Wilhelm purchased his first car. That same year, he was involved in the first international car race on German soil—an event that marked the start of an impressive series of races. Wilhelm even commissioned a special stadium for the prestigious Gordon Bennett Cup.
From 1908 onwards, Prince Heinrich organized the prestigious Prinz Heinrich Fahrt, a six-day race covering over 2,000 kilometers. But he wasn’t just an organizer—he also raced himself, participating in the Herkomer Konkurrenz, held between 1905 and 1907.
Historic Racing Cars
These early races featured drivers whose names live on today as car brands, such as Porsche and Opel. The exhibition will feature four exceptional race cars, including the Benz Prinz Heinrich, specially developed for the Prinz Heinrich Fahrt. Also on display is the Benz 35-40 PS, a car driven by Prince Heinrich himself.
In addition to these spectacular cars, you’ll discover:
-
Iconic races from the early 20th century, such as the Gordon Bennett Cup and the Kaiserpreis Rennen
-
Legendary drivers like Ferdinand Porsche, the Opel brothers, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
-
Stories of remarkable female racers, including Dorothy Levitt, who broke barriers in a male-dominated sport
-
An unforgettable VR experience—step into the stadium where the 1904 Gordon Bennett race began
-
Fun activities for children, including arts & crafts, racing trivia, and a chance to sit in a replica of the famous Benz Prinz Heinrich
Experience the speed, excitement, and stories of early motorsport!
Practical Information:
Exhibition Royal Racing can be seen in the exhibition pavilion
23 May – 23 November 2025
Open Tuesday to Sunday
Standard admission fees apply: Tickets and opening hours