Built around 1685 for Amsterdam mayor Jacob Hop and remodelled in fashionable Louis XIV style in 1739, this double canal mansion on the Herengracht became a museum in 1895 when its last owner, Louisa Holthuysen, bequeathed it to the city. Its period rooms - a grand ballroom, dining room, ladies' salon and reconstructed early-19th-century kitchen - preserve the taste of art collectors Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen, alongside an 18th-century French-style city garden. The Amsterdam Museum, which now runs the house, also stages a rotating contemporary exhibition here roughly every six months.
Visitor Information
- How much does Museum Willet-Holthuysen cost?
- Standard adult admission to Museum Willet-Holthuysen is €15. Free for visitors aged 0-17 and Amsterdam Museum cardholders; €7.50 for students/CJP. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of Museum Willet-Holthuysen?
- Museum Willet-Holthuysen is open Open daily 10:00-17:00. Adjusted hours 12:00-17:00 on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Museum Willet-Holthuysen?
- Museum Willet-Holthuysen is located at Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam, in the Centrum (Grachtengordel canal ring) area of Amsterdam. The nearest stations are Waterlooplein (Metro 51/53/54, Tram 14), Rembrandtplein (Tram 4).
- What can I see at Museum Willet-Holthuysen?
- Grand canal-house museum on the Herengracht, its 19th-century interiors and French garden frozen in time since 1895. Current highlights include The Willet-Holthuysen House: Period Rooms & French Garden, Plantation along the Canal: Stories of People and Power.
- Do I need to book Museum Willet-Holthuysen in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Museum Willet-Holthuysen?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.