A good comics museum is hard to find. Storyworld is a playful one, built around comics, animation, and games and backed by original work from major international productions. I like that you can go beyond looking at art and actually make something (cartoons, stop-motion video, and even a game). One catch: if you expect quiet, traditional museum galleries only, this is more hands-on than hushed.

What really makes it worth your time is the setting. It’s inside Forum Groningen, and Storyworld sits on the sixth floor, so the visit feels built into a bigger building experience, not just a standalone stop. You’ll also get plenty of inspiration from well-known franchises such as The Lion King, Batman, Tintin, Asterix, Shaun the Sheep, and Horizon Forbidden West.

At about $12 per person, it’s a strong value for a one-day outing, especially if your group includes kids or anyone who prefers learning by doing. Still, it’s designed for active exploration, so plan a bit of patience if you want to slow down and take everything in at your own pace.

Key points to know before you go

• Forum Groningen location: Storyworld is on the sixth floor of this distinctive building.
• Original production artwork: You can see real art tied to major titles like Batman and The Lion King.
• Hands-on creation: You can make your own cartoon, try stop-motion video, or create a game.
• Interactive learning: You learn how cartoons and games are understood, not just what they are.
• Franchise-friendly for families: Famous names like Tintin, Asterix, Shaun the Sheep, and Horizon Forbidden West help keep things fun.

Why Storyworld in Forum Groningen feels built for creators

If you’re into stories that move, shift, and react, Storyworld hits the sweet spot. It’s not only about comics on paper. It’s about the whole pipeline from panels to animation timing to the logic behind games. The museum keeps that idea front and center with interactive installations, so you’re not just reading explanations. You’re using them.

I like museums that treat your attention like something you can shape. Here, the focus stays on how media works and how you can try the process yourself. When you see original work from big productions, it helps you realize there’s craft behind the final look. Then the interactive stations let you experience parts of that craft firsthand.

One more thing: the building matters. Being in Forum Groningen changes the feel of the visit. Even if Storyworld is the main event, you’re in a modern, public space with other things to do, like a library and a cinema nearby. That’s handy if you want to extend the day in Groningen without cramming in extra transport.

Climb to the sixth floor: the museum experience you can plan in a single day

Storyworld is on the sixth floor of Forum Groningen. That’s a simple detail, but it affects how you plan. You’ll likely want to build your day around that climb and then spend your time moving through the museum itself.

You don’t need a multi-stop itinerary to enjoy this place. It’s still a “do-it-yourself” museum, so your best plan is to:

• Start with the exhibitions and original works first, while you’re fresh.
• Save the creation activities for later, when you’ve seen enough references to make your choices faster.

Because your ticket is valid for one day, you don’t have to turn it into a timed sprint. You can treat it like an afternoon or a flexible day activity. Just note that you should check availability for starting times, since the experience is tied to specific entry slots.

If you’re coming with kids, this structure helps. Kids usually burn energy quickly in passive exhibits, but they can also lose focus if everything is “create something” without context. Storyworld naturally supports both modes: you watch and learn, then you try.

Original works from Batman to The Lion King: what you’re really seeing

One of Storyworld’s big promises is original work from international productions. The lineup you can look for includes major titles like Batman and The Lion King, plus other recognizable creative worlds such as Tintin and Asterix.

Even without getting too technical, seeing original production pieces changes your perception. You stop thinking of famous titles as finished products and start noticing the underlying decisions: style, composition, character design, and how artwork supports storytelling. You also get a sense of how different types of media borrow from each other. A comic panel has one kind of rhythm. Animation has another. Games add interactivity on top.

This kind of display works well if you’re visiting with mixed interests. If one person is more into comics, they get that connection. If another person is more into animation or games, they can shift focus while still feeling like the museum is talking to everyone.

There’s a practical consideration, too. Original-work displays can be visually packed. If you’re the type who likes to read every label, give yourself time. If you prefer scanning and then doing hands-on activities, you’ll likely enjoy it most by sampling first and going deeper later during the interactive areas.

Interactive installations: make your own cartoon, try stop-motion, or build a game

Storyworld is at its best when you’re actually using the installations. The museum is designed around the idea that cartoons and games aren’t magic. They’re systems you can understand by trying.

Here are the hands-on things you can do:

• Create your own cartoon
• Create or experiment with stop-motion video
• Create a game

That range matters. It means the museum isn’t locked into one format. Some kids (and adults) love drawing and sequencing images into a story. Others get excited by the idea of rules, levels, or simple mechanics. Stop-motion offers a totally different kind of creativity because it requires patience and a sense of timing.

I also like that the museum frames these activities around understanding. You’re not only handed a tool and left to figure it out. The experience is meant to teach what it takes to understand a cartoon or a game and then guide you into making your own version. That learning approach is what turns a “fun distraction” into something you can actually talk about afterward.

If you’re visiting as a group, this is where you’ll see people naturally rotate or compare results. You can use that to your advantage: if you’re short on time, one person can focus on one creation station while someone else checks out exhibits, then you swap. It’s a good way to avoid everyone doing the same thing while missing other parts of the museum.

Don’t miss the extra Forum Groningen spaces while you’re already upstairs

Storyworld isn’t the only thing in Forum Groningen, and the museum’s own location encourages you to look around a bit. Forum Groningen includes a library and a cinema on-site, plus two exhibition rooms and a roof terrace with views across the city.

Important note: your ticket includes museum entrance and the ability to visit the Forum Groningen building, but it doesn’t automatically mean everything else in the building is part of Storyworld. Still, if you have time before or after your museum slot, it’s smart to use the building’s extras to round out the day.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

• If you want a calm break, check out the nearby cinema or library spaces after you finish the main activities.
• If the weather is decent, go for the roof terrace view. Even a short pause up there can reset your energy before you head back out.

This is also practical if you’re traveling with different age groups. Not everyone will want to spend the same amount of time in hands-on stations. The Forum building gives you nearby options that keep the day from turning into endless negotiations.

Price, time, and value: what $12 buys you in real experience terms

Storyworld costs about $12 per person. That’s not just an entry fee. For this price, you’re getting:

• Access to the museum exhibitions and interactive installations
• Information offered in Dutch and English
• The chance to experience the museum inside the Forum Groningen building

The value comes from the mix of original works and creation activities. Pure “look-only” museums can feel like you paid for sightseeing. Pure hands-on play can feel like you paid for time-wasting. Storyworld tries to blend both, so you’re paying for learning you can see and try.

The one-day validity is also a practical advantage. You’re not locked into a multi-day schedule. Plan it as a main stop in Groningen, then pair it with a walk around the city streets afterward.

Your best strategy: pick one clear priority. If your priority is making stuff, protect time for the creation stations. If your priority is art and inspiration, spend more time in the sections showing original work and franchises before you move into interactive learning.

Who this museum suits best (and who might want to adjust expectations)

Storyworld is a great fit if you like comics, animation, and games, especially if you want your visit to be active. It’s also described as kidproof, which makes sense given the focus on playful interaction and creation.

It’s especially good for:

• Families with kids who need more than reading labels
• Teens and adults who enjoy media design and want to see how stories translate across formats
• Anyone who likes a museum that feels like a workshop as much as a gallery

It may be less ideal if:

• You only want quiet viewing, minimal interaction, and lots of downtime
• You plan to spend every minute reading every label and might find interactive areas a distraction

That said, you’re not forced to rush. You can choose your pace. Even if you’re mainly there for the famous titles like Tintin, Asterix, and Horizon Forbidden West, the interactive stations can still be worth it, because they help you understand what you’re seeing.

Practical tips so your visit runs smoothly

A few practical points make your time easier:

• Bring curiosity: the museum is built for experimenting, not only observing.
• Use the English or Dutch info: the museum offers information in Dutch and English, so pick what fits your group.
• Plan for an active pace: with creation activities like cartoons and stop-motion, expect a hands-on rhythm.
• Give yourself some buffer: since starting times are tied to availability, arriving with time to spare helps you settle in.

Because the museum is wheelchair accessible, it’s set up for mobility needs. That’s important in practice. You’ll also benefit from the fact that the host or greeter is available in English and Dutch, which is helpful if you want quick guidance.

If you’re visiting during a busy period, the interactive parts are where you may notice more people. I’d recommend focusing on the exhibitions first, then switching to hands-on creation once you’ve figured out what you want to try.

Should you book Storyworld Museum in Groningen?

I’d book it if you want a one-day Groningen stop that feels modern and playful, with original art plus hands-on creation. At around $12, the value is strongest when your group includes different ages or different media tastes, because the museum supports comics, animation, and games all in the same place.

You might skip it if you prefer traditional museums with long, quiet galleries and little participation. But if you’re open to using interactive installations and you’re curious about how stories become cartoons and games, Storyworld is an easy recommendation.

FAQ

Where is Storyworld located?

Storyworld is located in Forum Groningen, in Groningen, Netherlands. It’s on the sixth floor.

How much is a ticket?

The price is $12 per person.

How long is the ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. You’ll need to check availability to see starting times.

What can I do at Storyworld?

You can see originals related to major productions and enjoy interactive installations where you can create your own cartoon, stop-motion video, or game.

What will I see in the museum?

You can see original works from international productions, including titles such as The Lion King and Batman, and you can also encounter exhibitions featuring creators and worlds like Tintin, Asterix, Shaun the Sheep, and Horizon Forbidden West.

What languages are available?

Information is offered in English and Dutch.

Is Storyworld wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Storyworld is wheelchair accessible.

Is there an English or Dutch host/greeter?

Yes. The host or greeter is available in English and Dutch.

What is included with the ticket?

Your ticket includes museum entrance, information in Dutch and English, and the chance to visit the Forum Groningen building.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a pay-later option?

Yes. You can use reserve now & pay later, so you can book your spot and pay nothing today.

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