The building alone is worth seeing. First, its location on the centuries-old Elfstedenroute De Geeuw, the water connecting IJlst and Sneek. Secondly, the design of the museum, by architect Haiko Meijer. This won the prestigious Vredeman de Vries Architecture Prize in 2018. The design is inspired by the authentic timber construction of the past: nine robust cubes of Russian larch wood form the basis. The interior spaces are clad in beautiful German pine. A transparent, energy-neutral, building with an open feel.

The museum houses the Nooitgedagt collection: an impressive array of tools, skates and toys. Jan Jarigs Nooitgedagt's one-man business, founded in 1865, grew into a large company with national fame, especially for its skates. Yet this was only a by-product. The core business was the production of (carpentry) tools. Nooitgedagt's chisels, planes and workbenches are still loved by carpenters and collectors. Nooitgedagt was also known for its collection of beautiful wooden children's toys.

Museum and Workshop Houtstad IJlst regularly hosts workshops, demonstrations and courses for young and old, with the aim of keeping authentic crafts alive.

The town of IJlst is definitely worth a visit. Wood sawmill the Rat, right next to the museum is an experience. And directly opposite the museum is one of the 11 fountains of the 2018 Eleven Fountains project. The visit to IJlst is completed by a walk along the unique overtuinen in the centre.