The Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) is second oldest museums in Amsterdam and has a hidden church located in a 17th-century canal house. This museum is considered one of the most interesting hidden gems in Amsterdam and is a popular tourist attraction.
Our Lord in the Attic (Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder, Secret church)
- Age: All ages
- Time needed to visit Our Lord in the Attic: 45 min- 1 hour
- Where in Amsterdam: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, 1012 EH Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Discount possible?: Yes, kids and students
- Can you use the iamsterdam pass ?: yes, it is possible to use your Iamsterdam City Card to get access to Our Lord in the Attic.
- Neighborhood: Amsterdam City Center
- Close to: The Red light District, Dam Square, The Prostitution Museum: Red Light District
What is the Ons Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) in Amsterdam?
The Ons Lieve Heer op Solder museum is located in a canal house that was transformed into a hidden church between 1661 and 1663. This place served as a hidden Christian church during the Protestant reign of the Dutch Republic. As Catholics were not allowed to practice their faith openly in the area during this time, the Christian church was kept a secret and kept hidden in the attic of the house. This church originated in the time after the Reformation, when Catholics were no longer allowed to hold public Holy Masses.
What can you see at the Ons Lieve Heer op Solder?
Our Lord in the Attic Museum was opened in 1888 and has these three sections: the attic church, the living quarters, and the business premises. The attic church is the most popular area of the museum, as it features the original 17th-century interior of the hidden church.
The church features ornate wood carvings, painted walls, and a wonderful organ. The living quarters of the museum feature a collection of 17th century furniture and artifacts, including paintings, tapestries, and religious objects. Visitors can also see the original kitchen and bedrooms, giving them a glimpse into the life and culture of the era.
Amsterdam: A city with Freedom of Religion
The wealthy Catholic merchant Jan Hartman paid and built the attic church between 1661 and 1663. During his time, the Protestant city government was in power and forbid the practice of Catholicism in public spaces. All the former Catholic churches and monasteries were confiscated and used for Protestant worship, leaving Catholics to celebrate Mass and other Catholic activities in secret house churches.
This was tolerated because, in the Republic of the Netherlands, there was at that time already freedom of belief. It allowed everyone to think and believe what they wanted in private spaces. This was truley unique in that period. Because of this freedom of belief, different religious groups settled in the city and were able to live together in Amsterdam. This contributed to the development of Amsterdam and made it an important merchant city.
How old is Ons Lieve Heer op Solder making the second oldest museums in Amsterdam?
On April 28, 1888, Ons Lieve Heer op Solder in Amsterdam was opened to the public as a museum, making it the second oldest museum in the city after the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. The house church, which had previously been used for religious services, was no longer utilized for those purposes after the Basilica of Saint Nicholas (St. Nicolaaskerk) was built in 1887. Up until now, the Saint Nicholas Church is still the city’s primary Roman Catholic church.
When is the “Ons Lieve Heer op Solder” open?
The Ons Lieve Heer op Solder museum is open to the public every day between 10 AM – 5 PM from Monday to Saturday. On sunday it is open between 1 PM- 6PM. Maybe it is nice to know too that the Sunday Mass is still held in the attic church every week. The Ons Lieve Heer op Solder museum is a unique and interesting place to visit in Amsterdam as it gives you insight into the religious past of Amsterdam.
Is there a tour available?
Yes, the museum offers audio tours in several languages. If you want, you can book a private tour guide who will tell you everything about Our Lord in the Attic.
How long should you allow to visit the Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder museum in Amsterdam?
To get the most out of your visit to the Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder museum, you should allow at least 45 minutes. This should give you enough time to explore the museum’s secret church, listen to the audio tour, and take in the beautiful views of the canal house. If you want to spend more time in the museum, you can always stay longer.
When is the Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder open?
The Ons Lieve Heer op Solder is open seven days a week, between Monday to Saterday it is open from 10am to 5 pm. On Sunday it is open from 1 PM to 6 PM.
How much do tickets in Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder museum cost?
The Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder museum offers a variety of ticket options for visitors. Regular admission tickets cost €16.50 for adults and €7.50 for children between the ages of 4 and 17. Combinations tickets are also available (e.g. 1 Adult + 1 child up to 17 years: €22.50).With the I Amsterdam City Card, you get free entrance!
Buy Your Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder tickets with Free Cancellation
With millions of people visiting Amsterdam every year, Amsterdam is a very popular travel destination. This means that tickets for popular tourist attractions are quickly sold out and that there are often long queues in front of the ticket counter. It is therefore really recommended to purchase your Our Lord in the Attic tickets in advance, then you know that you can visit this place for sure when you are in Amsterdam.
🛎️ If you buy your Our Lord in the Attics tickets online, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can even get into the building quicker. This will save you lots of precious time in Amsterdam. With a ticket in your inbox, you have nothing to worry about.
Where is Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder located on the map?
The Ons Lieve Heer Op Solder is located in the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam.
Source: OpSolder