Willet-Holthuysen Museum image

Willet-Holthuysen Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Art museum Monument

Period interiors plus Venetian glass, porcelain, weapons, rare art history books, paintings & more. People often mention museum, house, Amsterdam, interesting, canal, beautiful, century, audio, visit, garden,


Address

Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website

www.amsterdammuseum.nl

Contact

+31 20 523 1822

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (1.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (43) house (41) Amsterdam (22) interesting (19) canal (18) beautiful (17) century (17) audio (16) visit (15) garden (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Soren M. 1 year ago on Google • 76 reviews
    My favourite canal house museum in Amsterdam. Most of the furnishings are replicas of the last owners’ French inspired decor, but it’s really so beautiful and tastefully done. Love the artwork collection they have. Just didn’t have the opportunity to visit the garden which looks beautiful as well. It’s like visiting a mini version of Versailles. Love it.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hannah A. 8 months ago on Google • 32 reviews
    A fascinating museum and a brilliant gem in the heart of Amsterdam! Walking through the home was a fascinating insight into the history of the home and family. The audio guide was especially insightful and a great way to be guided through the home. The art exhibition that was on display was also exceptional and really well designed. I really love that the home combines history with modern displays - it is a great use of the space and the two felt really well connected despite the differences in style. I'll definitely visit again when we are next in Amsterdam to see the newest temporary exhibition - what a great way to keep people coming back again and again!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anastasia Y. 9 months ago on Google • 502 reviews
    Amazing museum where you can see how people lived in Amsterdam in the 19th century. The woman at the reception was super nice and friendly! Highly recommend to take a free audio tour, it’s well made and very interesting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dorin S. 7 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Incredibly beautiful place. It's unreal that someone use to hold this much real estate in the centre of old Amsterdam. It really gives you a feeling of what must have been like to live back then among the upper class. Recommend wholeheartedly. 😊
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nandi K. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a great time learning about life and architecture in Amsterdam! The house is in beautiful condition, and the garden is gorgeous! Highly recommend if you're interested in learning more about how this elite family lived. Make sure to check out the gardens which is a prime place for pictures!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anton 4 months ago on Google • 669 reviews
    Very nice house, previously owned by a dutch aristocrat and his wife who never had children. The opulence of the house even for that era was definitely for the week off. Definitely put it on your bucket list!

  • 5/5 Kees W. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful house with Chambers from the 18th and 19th century, a journy back in time. A lot of art from different periode and also a wonderful Garden.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy M. 5 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    Wow! What an awesome experience. I went in expecting to see a preserved canal house. I wanted to enjoy some antique furniture and architecture. What I didn’t expect was to be so moved by the rotating exhibition that added tremendously to the museums overall impact. We learn not only about the couple who previously owned and decorated the house, but also about a queer artist ANOHNI, and her friend and muse, Dr Julia Yasuda. ANHONI draws very interesting parallels between the lives of the previous owners of the house and her lifelong friend and muse. One might think modern additions to a museum intending to preserve history could be distracting or disjointed, but I think it adds a layer of interest, complexity, and introspection that brings this museum to the next level. So many layers of culture and history here. Skip the MOCA and come to Willet Holthuysen.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Robyn 1 year ago on Google
    Inside this wealthy private merchant's house was a terrific immersive experience. Well worth doing. Lovely garden and quiet space in a busy city
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Esther B. 1 year ago on Google
    very facinating and intresting for the history lover and for the romance novel reader.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Arnoud 5 months ago on Google • 80 reviews
    Charming 17th century canal house museum with 18th and 19th century period rooms and a beautiful French formal garden. The temporary art exhibitions curated by external curators make a visit worthwhile.

  • 1/5 John K. 4 weeks ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    House was good. It is a wonderful time period house. Unfortunately they had an ‘exhibition’ that detracted from the house. The exhibition placed modern ‘Ballroom theme LGBT’ items in and on things in the house which seemed to not fit what we went to the museum for. If there is an exhibition for art expression I am ok with but I would wish that it would be advertised and optional and distinct from the museum

  • 5/5 Gabriela (. 2 years ago on Google
    I loved it. The garden is amazing and the museum offers an insight on 19th century lifestyle in Amsterdam

  • 5/5 Fábio S. 2 years ago on Google
    It offers an unique view into a ream historic amsterdam canal houses. With original layout, decoration and fancy ornamental details in each corner. It also offers a view into a pretty exterior garden.

  • 5/5 Yasmeen I. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful old canal house, very interesting to see how they lived!

  • 4/5 Anders W. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting, well displayed. Audio guided. Well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Rob S. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent, small museum.. Very interesting (free) audio tour

  • 5/5 Anita S. 2 years ago on Google
    I really enjoyed this part of my Amsterdam trip the most. The rooms are so impressive my favourite area is the servants kitchen. But the best part is that the museum was not crowded we were maybe six people in the whole house so you really had time to enjoy each room.

  • 5/5 Isidro De La R. 2 years ago on Google
    I was not looking forward to seeing this museum. But I was very surprised. One of the BEST tours I did in Amsterdam. I would highly recommend this museum if your interested in Dutch culture.

  • 4/5 Melissa N. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful canal house restored to 19th century times. Filled with beautiful furnishings and interesting tales of the past owners. We checked this place out as part of the IAmsterdam pass.

  • 5/5 Ingrid B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful with Christmas decorations in December. (Original) Mooi met kerstversiering in december.

  • 5/5 Gilles G. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) One of the most beautiful houses in Amsterdam (Original) Une des plus belles maisons d'amsterdam

  • 4/5 Maria Paula V. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice, calm friendly museum to understand and imagine how rich people used to live next to the canal, a couple of exhibitions are closed and is not finished yet. But is nice to go once

  • 4/5 Cole 1 year ago on Google
    This is a really lovely gem of a museum/gallery with historic room recreations/restorations in Amsterdam. Despite having some struggles with past curators, this house has some lovely treasures and stories to share. I really enjoyed the free audio tour as this gave more background info. A really lovely quiet spot to mooch around. Would recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 Isa M M. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely fabulous. Very interesting ! the family history. All the beautiful architecture and furniture. Absolute must when going to Amsterdam

  • 5/5 Klaus E. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's worth a visit. (Original) Ein Besuch lohnt sich.

  • 5/5 Mercedes T. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely house. Really wonderful.

  • 5/5 Laura V. 4 years ago on Google
    We didn't even plan to visit it as didn't think it would be interesting. But we walked pass it and decided to go in. And so happy we did. Was nice to see the rooms and kitchen and garden is amazing. Walking the canal streets you just don't realise how big gardens are at the back. And rooms are big and high ceiling. Very nice place.

  • 5/5 Tt F. 1 year ago on Google
    A very nice place to visit, with a interesting mindset of the previous owners. Also pleasant lady behind the desk.

  • 5/5 Stephanie R. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful house and garden. Very peaceful.

  • 5/5 Jason S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed looking through this 17th century canal house. Great free audio tour was included which added to the information you received. My kids 9 and 11 also enjoyed it. Gave us a good glimpse of Amsterdam in the past

  • 5/5 John F. 1 year ago on Google
    We used the I Amsterdam Card for free entry. We booked a time slot in advance but I'm unsure if it's necessary. The audio tour is good and not too long. You'll view original decor like personal items belonging to the original couple's massive collection, a garden (skippable) added in the late 1900s, commissioned artwork including paintings of the owner's cats and more. Sure to please anyone who enjoys house tours.

  • 4/5 Gillian D. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth a visit. The house is stunning and the audio guide is very useful and easy to use. The staff were welcoming and helpful. The only issue is that, as a lot of the exhibit revolves around the art collection, several of the pictures were hung in places that made them difficult to see, either too dark or with direct light reflecting off of them. We spent about an hour there and really enjoyed it.

  • 5/5 Mark A. 1 year ago on Google
    Self guided tour available which is great. Cloakroom provided. Excellent value and a great experience with an incredible collection.

  • 4/5 Andres B. 1 year ago on Google
    The house is a fantastic impression of the prosperity and lifestyle of wealthy spouses in the 17th century. The canal house from Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen contains a variety of collected art as well as interesting objects from the everyday life of the servants.

  • 5/5 Carine A. 1 year ago on Google
    I was very impressed by this museum house in Amsterdam...a beautiful collection of furniture, paintings.. in french 18 century style ...one hour is enough for the visit but high quality...the atmosphere is very unique...a very good job was made to have the feeling to be black 100 years ago...i recommend it...

  • 4/5 Iz 1 year ago on Google
    Quite an interesting place! The audioguide is essential and talks you through quite a funky couple who loved art and 17th century french furniture. Spent c.1 hr here

  • 5/5 Jan B. 10 months ago on Google
    We enjoy old houses, antiques and have been here before. It is a beautiful old house and an opportunity to see how they lived at the end of the 19th century. The couple were Francophiles who loved books, art and collecting and the rooms are richly decorated.

  • 4/5 Bryan D. 10 months ago on Google
    House built in late 1600's displayed as it was in the mid 1800's. Formal rooms for a wealthy family.

  • 5/5 Kaitlin M. 8 months ago on Google
    We loved this museum, one of our favs in Amsterdam! The church in the attic was lovely and loved the story behind it but personally, I loved seeing how people lived back then. Seeing their bedrooms and kitchens really gave insight into life back then. Fully recommended!

  • 5/5 Matthijs K. 3 months ago on Google New
    Very nice small museum and interesting to see a canal house in all its glory

  • 5/5 Anne-Marie K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful canal house. More than worth a visit! (Original) Prachtig grachtenpand. Een bezoek meer dan waard!

  • 5/5 Xabier Z. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful mansion, worth visiting. (Original) Preciosa mansión, merece la pena visitar.

  • 4/5 D. de W. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice to see the history of a canal house (Original) Leuk om de geschiedenis van een grachtenpand te zien

  • 4/5 Martin L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Small, but no less beautiful museum with period rooms from (in particular) the 18th and 19th centuries. The building in which the Museum is located dates from the second half of the 17th century. It was inhabited in the 19th century by the art-loving couple Willet-Holthuysen, who managed to build up a beautiful collection. (Original) Klein, maar daarom niet minder mooi museum met stijlkamers uit (met name) de 18de en 19de eeuw. Het pand waarin het Museum is gevestigd dateert zelf uit de tweede helft van de 17de eeuw. Het werd in de 19de eeuw bewoond door het kunstminnende echtpaar Willet-Holthuysen, dat een mooie collectie wist op te bouwen.

  • 4/5 Julie V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Fascinating! (Original) Boeiend!

  • 5/5 Anne P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Do not miss it is a little gem away from the tourist crowd. The life of the big bourgeois of Amsterdam. (Original) A ne pas manquer c'est un petit bijou a l'écart de la foule des touristes. La vie des grands bourgeois d'Amsterdam.

  • 4/5 Sil S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Curious. It gives you an idea of ​​the interior architecture and the way of life of the wealthy classes that lived in the houses that line the canals. (Original) Curioso. Te da una idea de la arquitectura interior y la forma de vida de las clases pudientes que vivían en las casas que bordean los canales.

  • 5/5 Ulrika W. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful house and interesting museum

  • 1/5 R R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Poor and poorly maintained (Original) Armoedig en slecht onderhouden

  • 5/5 Игорь �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A small museum apartment, you can see the life of the local prosperous gentlemen of the last century (Original) Небольшой музей квартира, можно посмотреть быт местных зажиточных господ прошлого века

  • 5/5 Haneul K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Restoring life in the Dutch upper class There were many things to see and it was good to know the lifestyle at that time Willing to return (Original) 네덜란드 상류층의 삶을 그대로 복원함 볼거리도 많고 그 당시의 생활양식을 잘 알 수 있어 좋았음 재방문할 의사 있음

  • 4/5 araber 1. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice (Original) Schön

  • 5/5 Andrei M. 4 years ago on Google
    Must be seen if you are wondering about ancient life style of Dutch people.

  • 5/5 Jirka S. 5 years ago on Google
    Beatiful museum. Very nice garden.

  • 5/5 ILONKA H. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful old home which gives you an insight on the day to day living on the canal of a rich family in Amsterdam . This was really special because they had so much info about the couple and family that once lived there. It was asif you got to know them. Other than that, this museum was very organised with audio tour available and storage for your belongings.Friendly & professional staff . Definitely would recommend this museum.

  • 4/5 BradJill 5 years ago on Google
    The Willet-Holthuysen Museum is historical canal house which can be visited for those interested to see how wealthy Amsterdam citizens lived during the 17th and 18th century. Opening Hours are 10am to 5pm (Mon-Fri) and 11am to 5pm (Sat-Sun). Entry price is €9 and includes audioguide. The Willet-Holthuysen property is a double mansion constructed during the late 17th century during the building of the Grachtengordel canals. It is situated directly on Herensgracht. Visitor can view 10-12 rooms which are fashioned with period flooring, ceiling and wall decor and furniture. There are delightful decorative rooms to see as well as basic rooms which were used by house staff. Both are very interesting to see and photography. There is also a very impressive landscape garden at Willet-Holthuysen Museum as well. Note: It is highly advisable to use the free audio guide which provides a bit of history about the family and the property. It was interesting learning remained intact when the property changed hands and what was altered to meet the taste of the new owners and residents at various points in time. In the end, I really enjoyed visiting the Willet-Holthuysen Museum. It is very similar to the Van Loon Museum on Keizersgracht but perhaps better because of the audio guide provided for visits to this museum. I'd gladly visit the Willet-Holthuysen Museum again during future visits to Amsterdam.

  • 5/5 Åsa B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very informative museum. Lots of beautiful details in an authentic house from 1850.

  • 5/5 Huilian Q. 4 years ago on Google
    Not many people know about this place, even my Dutch collègues. It definitely worth visiting! But if you don’t have much time, I’d say come to this one instead of museum van Loon because I think this one is slightly bigger? They are very similar.

  • 4/5 Madhav W. 4 years ago on Google
    A walk-through museum exhibiting the daily life and household of a wealthy Dutch couple. Quite interesting.

  • 5/5 Victor W. 6 years ago on Google
    Really cool spot to spend some time to check out how the rich lived back in the day. The audio tour does a great job of explaining all the different areas and what the purpose of each room is. The house is not very large and you can probably see everything within an hour or two. Don't forget to check out the lovely backyard. Also I went closer to Christmas time so they had a special Christmas exhibit and Christmas tree which was very cool.

  • 5/5 Luigi P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful and interesting (Original) Molto bello e interessante

  • 4/5 Hanneke Den h. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting and fascinating museum. The spaces that are furnished as they were originally, that is very well done. The film about the last residents of the former canal house is very informative. I can recommend it to everyone. Hanneke (Original) Heel interessant en boeiend museum. De ruimtes die ingericht zijn zoals dat oorspronkelijk was, dat is heel goed gedaan. De film over de laatste bewoners van het voormalige grachtenpand is heel informatief. Ik kan het aanraden aan iedereen. Hanneke

  • 4/5 Ivan F. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Really nice museum, they offer you free tea and coffee to drink in a very old kitchen, everything is set in a very vintage multi-storey house that takes you back in time. Personally the museums set in the real houses of the artists really make me relive the era of the latter, so I am very satisfied. Highly recommended! (Original) Museo davvero bello, ti offrono thé e caffè gratis da poter bere in una cucina molto antica, il tutto é ambientato in una casa molto vintage a più piani che ti riporta indietro nel tempo. Personalmente i musei ambientati nelle vere case degli artisti mi fanno rivivere davvero l'epoca di quest' ultimi, quindi sono molto soddisfatto. Consigliatissimo!

  • 4/5 Pim Uit B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Interesting museum. Small. You have seen everything quickly. Nevertheless worth the effort. (Original) Interessant museum. Wel klein. Je hebt snel alles gezien. Desondanks wel de moeite waard.

  • 5/5 Shlomit S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting place (Original) מקום מעניין מאוד

  • 4/5 Macó E. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A museum that is a house of rich people of the 1600/1700 years. Interesting to see how they lived at that time (Original) Un museo que es una casa de gente rica de los años 1600/1700. Interesante para ver cómo vivían en esa época

  • 4/5 Giuseppe B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice and well managed museum. This private house gives the opportunity to see how people lived in Amsterdam in the 1800s. The audio guides are in multiple languages ​​and the cost is more than adequate. Highly recommended (Original) Museo molto bello e ben gestito. Questa casa privata da la possibilità di vedere come si viveva ad Amsterdam nel 1800. Le audio guide sono in molteplici lingue ed il costo è più che adeguato. Consigliatissimo

  • 5/5 Charlotte B. 4 years ago on Google
    Little museum, good for 2 hours relaxed walking around.

  • 4/5 yvonne l. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful ambiance (Original) Schitterende ambiance

  • 5/5 Pierrette O. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Wonderful example of a traditional house and beautiful garden. (Original) Merveilleux exemple d'une habitation traditionnelle et beau jardin.

  • 4/5 Paul C. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful old mansion.

  • 4/5 Anders W. 4 years ago on Google
    An amazing place. Really tells you how the richest people lived. Very nice audio tour. There is also a nice café close to the garden. A good place to visit and away from the usual turist traps. Recommended.

  • 5/5 MLouise van L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) What a beautiful museum, good audio tour (included in the entrance fee). Lighting could indeed be better in some places, sometimes it was very dark. (Original) Wat een prachtig museum, goede audiotour (bij de entreeprijs inbegrepen). Verlichting kan op sommige plekken inderdaad wat beter, vond het soms erg donker.

  • 4/5 Frank F. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a house, restored an hosting exhibitions. Space is limited but it’s certainly worth a visit

  • 5/5 Angela C. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely awesome

  • 5/5 Gerald W. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Highly Recommended. Good audio guide that explains a lot. (Original) Absolut empfehlenswert. Guter Audioguide der viel erklärt.

  • 4/5 Karen V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This museum gives a wonderful insight into how the last residents lived at the end of the 19th century. As there are few canal houses in this original state, it is quite unique next to the Van Loon museum. (Original) Dit museum geeft een prachtige inkijk in hoe de laatste bewoners eind 19e eeuw leefden. Daar er weinig grachten panden nog in deze oorspronkelijke staat verkeren is het, naast museum Van Loon, vrij uniek.

  • 4/5 Andreia P. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very interesting! (Original) Muito interessante!

  • 4/5 Erik ronald van W. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice to visit once (Original) Leuk om een keer te bezoeken

  • 5/5 Mariska de B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A beautiful canal house, back in time ... (Original) Een prachtig grachtenpand, terug in de tijd...


Call +31 20 523 1822 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Rijksmuseum image
1
Rijksmuseum
Art museum
19th-century building housing Dutch Golden Age painting masterpieces & vast European art collection.
4.60 (90.5K reviews)
Van Gogh Museum image
2
Van Gogh Museum
Art museum
Museum housing the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings, alongside drawings & letters.
4.60 (84.1K reviews)
Anne Frank House image
3
Anne Frank House
Museum
Museum house where Anne Frank & her family hid from the Nazis in a secret annex, during WWII.
4.50 (64.6K reviews)
Vondelpark image
4
Vondelpark
Park
Expansive, 19th-century urban park with a playground, ponds & an open-air theater.
4.70 (50.7K reviews)
Dam Square image
5
Dam Square
Tourist attraction
Central public square & popular gathering place since the 17th century, flanked by the Royal Palace.
4.50 (42K reviews)
Last updated:
()