Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Grand Canal House

Museum Willet Holthuysen, Amsterdam

Step into an elegant 17th-century Amsterdam canal house

HistoryArchitectureDesignArt

Explore a magnificent double canal house on the Herengracht, furnished with meticulously preserved style rooms that offer a glimpse into the past. Wander through its serene French-style garden, a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. The museum also hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

Discover a beautifully preserved 17th-century double canal house museum on the Herengracht, featuring historic style rooms and a tranquil French garden.

Museum Willet Holthuysen
About Museum Willet Holthuysen

Housed in an impressive double canal house on Amsterdam's Herengracht, Museum Willet Holthuysen invites visitors to step back in time. Its meticulously furnished period rooms reflect the opulent style of bygone eras, providing an authentic insight into the lavish domestic life of affluent Amsterdam residents. The museum also features a tranquil French-style garden and hosts temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists, blending historical context with modern creative perspectives.

Historic canal house museum with tall windows and stone facade along a waterway, boats docked nearby and trees lining the street
Museum Willet Holthuysen opening hours in Amsterdam

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Museum Willet Holthuysen. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Amsterdam.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
Museum Willet Holthuysen Tickets and Admission

Museum Willet Holthuysen in Amsterdam provides a clear admission structure. While adult entry is paid, children aged 0-17 enjoy free admission to the historic canal house museum. Reduced ticket prices are available for students. Furthermore, several specific visitor groups may receive free entry upon presenting valid identification. Please note that dedicated group or senior tickets are not available for this venue.

Adults (18+ years)
€15.00
Children (0-17 years)
Free
Student
€7.50
Museum Willet Holthuysen's Amsterdam Location

Museum Willet Holthuysen is situated at Herengracht 605 in the Grachtengordel Zuid neighborhood of Amsterdam. This historic canal house museum offers visitors a glimpse into elite life, with its location along the famous Herengracht placing it within the city's picturesque canal belt, providing a serene setting for its period rooms and tranquil garden.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Herengracht 605

1017 CE Amsterdam

Grachtengordel Zuid, Noord-Holland, NL

Visiting Museum Willet Holthuysen

A visit to Museum Willet Holthuysen in Amsterdam typically lasts about 60 minutes. It is recommended to make a reservation, especially for groups who require advance booking and adhere to specific capacity rules. The museum is easily accessible via public transport or nearby parking garages, offering several convenient options for arrival.

Visiting Museum Willet Holthuysen

Museum Willet Holthuysen: Period Rooms and Garden

Museum Willet Holthuysen, an impressive double canal house in Amsterdam's Grachtengordel Zuid, invites visitors to step back into the city's affluent past. Its meticulously furnished period rooms, restored to reflect bygone eras, offer an authentic insight into the lavish domestic life of affluent Amsterdam residents. Guests can explore distinct historical ambiances, from opulent reception areas to private quarters, showcasing decorative arts and architectural details. Beyond the historic interiors, a tranquil French-style garden provides a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling canal belt. The museum also regularly features temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists, blending historical context with modern creative perspectives for a dynamic visitor experience.

Five visitors sitting on a bench viewing two large historical paintings in a museum gallery with white walls
Top exhibition picks at Museum Willet Holthuysen
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Amsterdam
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Museum Willet Holthuysen, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Amsterdam.
A watercolor illustration of the Amsterdam in Motion exhibition, showing visitors exploring a large-scale multimedia model of Amsterdam with interactive elements and purple lighting.
Permanent exhibition

Amsterdam in Motion: Discover the City's History and Urban Development Exhibition

Featuring a massive multimedia model and interactive displays.

Explore Amsterdam's evolution from a small village to a dynamic global city. This immersive experience at Cultuurpark Westergas showcases the city's past and present through interactive installations and a vast multimedia model.

Amsterdam in Motion
Diverse group of people participating in art activities like painting and weaving in a community space, with a banner reading 'COMMUNITY & NEW BEGINNINGS' and 'CONNECTION' in the background.
Nov 20, 2025 – May 1, 2026

Verhalen van aankomst: Exploring Art and Connection in Amsterdam's Community

Discover art that builds bridges for new arrivals and refugee experiences.

This neighborhood exhibition at BOOST showcases diverse artistic expressions, including textile art and workshop results. Engage with themes of migration stories and the power of creativity to foster community and understanding. It’s an inspiring look at cultural exchange through art.

View Exhibition
Close-up of a 17th-century merchant's wrist with an intricate tattoo, displayed in a museum gallery with a group portrait painting in the background.
Nov 24, 2025 – Aug 30, 2026

Koopman met tattoo: Discover Early Western European Tattoo Art at Huis Willet-Holthuysen

Explore a 17th-century painting with an unexpected cultural discovery.

This special exhibition showcases the groundbreaking discovery of a tattoo on a 17th-century Dutch painting. Understand the historical context and artistic significance, featuring selections from tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher's notable collection.

Koopman met tattoo

Museum Willet Holthuysen History and Development

The building that is now home to Museum Willet Holthuysen in Amsterdam was originally constructed around 1685 for Jacob Hop, a prominent mayor. Its exterior underwent a significant redesign in 1739, transforming its facade to the Louis XIV style, which still defines much of its look today. The museum's foundation began in 1895 when Louisa Holthuysen bequeathed the building and its extensive art collection, assembled with her husband Abraham Willet, to the city of Amsterdam. Her bequest stipulated that the property become a museum bearing their names, which subsequently opened to the public in 1896. Recognized as a Dutch Rijksmonument, the building also saw its garden fully restored in 1972, reflecting its historical design.

  • Original house constructed

    1685Construction

    The building that now houses the Museum Willet-Holthuysen was constructed around 1685 for Jacob Hop, a prominent mayor of Amsterdam.

  • Exterior redesigned in Louis XIV style

    1739Architecture

    In 1739, the house's exterior underwent a significant redesign, transforming its facade to reflect the fashionable Louis XIV style, giving it its present-day appearance.

  • Building bequeathed to Amsterdam

    1895Ownership

    In 1895, owner Louisa Holthuysen bequeathed the building and its contents, including the art collection amassed with her husband Abraham Willet, to the city of Amsterdam, under the condition that it become a museum bearing their names.

  • Museum opens to the public

    1896Opening

    The institution, named Museum Willet-Holthuysen, officially opened to the public in 1896, fulfilling the condition of Louisa Holthuysen's generous bequest.

  • Museum garden restored

    1972Renovation

    The museum's garden, located in the souterrain area, underwent restoration in 1972, bringing back its historical design and appearance.

  • Designated a Dutch Rijksmonument

    Heritage status

    The museum building holds the status of a Dutch Rijksmonument, a national heritage site, identified by the number 1687.

  • Jacob de Wit paintings acquired

    Collection

    The museum's collection includes several decorative paintings by Jacob de Wit, although these particular pieces were sourced from other buildings in Amsterdam and their original connection to the house is not entirely clear.

Museum Willet Holthuysen FAQs: Beyond the Grand Facade

Even the most elegant historic canal house in Amsterdam, Museum Willet Holthuysen, prompts some very practical questions. Before you immerse yourself in its opulent past, you might wonder about everything from daily closing times to entry fees for young visitors. Get all your essential visit details here.

Which neighborhood is Museum Willet Holthuysen located in?

Museum Willet Holthuysen is situated in the Grachtengordel Zuid neighborhood of Amsterdam, Noord-Holland.

What is the postal code for Museum Willet Holthuysen?

The postal code for Museum Willet Holthuysen is 1017 CE.

What is the address of Museum Willet Holthuysen?

Museum Willet Holthuysen is located at Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

How long is a recommended visit to Museum Willet Holthuysen?

A visit to Museum Willet Holthuysen is recommended to take approximately 60 minutes.

Tips for Visiting Museum Willet Holthuysen

Planning a visit to Museum Willet Holthuysen in Amsterdam usually takes about 60 minutes to explore the collections. For group visits, advance reservations are required, and these are limited to 15 people with specific chaperone rules for school classes. Guided tours for groups also need to be booked at least two weeks in advance. Public transport and nearby parking garages are available for visitor convenience. Entry is free for certain cardholders and visitors under 18, and personal assistants may accompany guests without charge. The museum also welcomes assistance dogs and recognizes the Sunflower Lanyard.

Museum Willet Holthuysen: Visitor Suitability

Museum Willet Holthuysen in Amsterdam's Grachtengordel Zuid neighborhood offers an enriching experience for individuals, couples, and groups interested in Dutch history, architecture, and decorative arts. The preserved canal house and its tranquil garden provide a contemplative setting to explore affluent 17th-century life. Visitors with accessibility needs are accommodated, with policies supporting personal assistants and assistance dogs. Those planning a group visit should note that advance reservations are recommended to ensure a smooth experience.

Museum Willet Holthuysen Photo Gallery

Explore the visual story of Museum Willet Holthuysen, from its impressive historic canal house exterior along the Herengracht to its tranquil French garden. Discover images showcasing the elegant period rooms, filled with ornate decorative arts and furnishings. The photo gallery also highlights various exhibition spaces, offering a glimpse into both historical ambiance and contemporary art within this Amsterdam museum.

Five visitors sitting on a bench viewing two large historical paintings in a museum gallery with white walls
Elegant historic drawing room with ornate marble fireplace, gilded candelabras, patterned armchairs, and crystal chandelier at Museum Willet Holthuysen
Woman standing in a museum gallery viewing framed paintings on white walls, with glass display cases visible in the background.
Historic canal house museum with tall windows and stone facade along a waterway, boats docked nearby and trees lining the street
Garden with stone statue, vibrant tulips, and manicured hedges in front of a historic canal house facade
A woman in a checkered shirt stands in a historic kitchen with yellow walls, wooden furniture, and a large copper kettle on a counter.
map of amsterdam showing waterways and streets
White marble relief sculpture in a gold frame on a blue wall
Visitors in a museum gallery looking at framed paintings on white walls, engaging with the exhibition
Brick canal house facade with symmetrical windows and a formal garden featuring geometric hedge mazes and gravel paths
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Explore Museum Willet Holthuysen with Amsterdam
Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Amsterdam
Find everything about Museum Willet Holthuysen in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
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