The Willet-Holthuysen House in Amsterdam is one of the city’s most beautiful canal houses which is nowadays open for public. This beautiful 17th-century building is a shining example of the Dutch Golden Age. Built in 1687, it is the most complete example of a wealthy, 17th-century Dutch canal house that remains today.
Willet-Holthuysen Huis Amsterdam –
Museum Willet Holthuysen in Short:
- Age: All ages
- Time needed to visit the Willet-Holthuysen House: 1 -1.5 hours
- Where in Amsterdam: Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Discount possible?: Free for kids (0-17), discount available for students.
- Can you use the iamsterdam city card for Museum Willet-Holthuysen?: Yes, you can use the Iamsterdam City Card to visit the Willet-Holthuysen House
- Neighborhood: Amsterdam Canal Belt, City Center
- Close to: Rembrandtplein, Pathé Tuschinski, Ice Bar Amsterdam, The Skinny Bridge, FOAM, Museum Van Loon
What is the Willet-Holthuysen Museum?
The Willet-Holthuysen Museum is a beautiful and rich decorated canal house from the 17th century. Belonged to the wealthy Willet-Holthuysen family. The house is opened to the public since 1896, after Louisa Holthuysen passed away.
Today it is one of the most beautiful canal houses which you still can visit in Amsterdam. Visitors can take guided tours of the house, which provide an insight into the lifestyle of the wealthy Dutch merchants of the time.
What is the history of the Willet Holthuysen Canal House museum?
The house is located in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This house on the “Herengracht” (Gentlemen’s Canal) was originally built as a family mansion for Jacob Hop, an advisor for the city government of Amsterdam.
Later, the wealthy art collectors Abraham Willet (1828-1888) and Louisa Holthuysen (1824-1895) bought the house and built up an art collection in this house. A interesting fact is, is that Louisa Holthuysen was the one who brought the money in the marriage, as her family was richer than Abraham Willet’s.
Together with the art collection, the house was later given to the city of Amsterdam by Louisa Holthuysen in 1895, with the condition that they will turn her house into a museum bearing with her and her late husband’s name after she passed away. The current owner of this mansion is still the city government of Amsterdam.
What can you see at the Willet Holthuysen House?
The house is a treasure of exquisite antiques and artwork from different periods. From the grand entrance hall to the grand drawing room, every room is bursting with furniture and decorations. The salons in this mansion are in the style of Louis XV.
In the basement, you can see examples of 18th-century Dutch kitchenware, while upstairs, the bedrooms are decorated with fine paintings and furniture from the period. The rooms in their house were designed so that they could share their taste and show their wealth with visitors.
What is special about the garden of the Willet-Holthuysen House?
The house also has a beautiful French style garden, filled with beautiful flowers, bushes and trees, as well as a courtyard with a stunning metal sundial. This well-maintained garden is designed as a formal symmetrical French style garden, inspired by a 18th century garden design of the French architect Daniël Marot.
Who should visit Museum Willet-Holthuysen?
The Willet-Holthuysen House is a stunning building from the Dutch Golden Age where you can experience how wealthy people from that time lived. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in discovering more about the Amsterdam’s history and culture.
3 Reasons why you should visit the Willet-Holthuysen Museum
- Rich History: The Willet-Holthuysen Museum is a beautifully preserved 17th-century house located in the heart of Amsterdam, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a wealthy Amsterdam family during the Dutch Golden Age. Visiting Willet-Holthuysen Museum will be a very unique experience.
- Stunning Interior Design: The interior of the Willet-Holthuysen Museum is truly a work of art. The building was kept in the original condition as much as possible so you still can admire the stunning building details of this canal house.
- Family-Friendly Destination: The Willet-Holthuysen Museum is a great destination for families too. Children can learn about the history of Amsterdam and experience the daily life of a wealthy Amsterdam family in a way that is both entertaining and educational. This makes the Willet-Holthuysen Museum a great option for families looking to spend a fun and informative day in Amsterdam.
Buy Your Willet-Holthuysen Museum 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 Willet-Holthuysen Museum in advance, then you know that you can visit this place for sure when you are in Amsterdam.
🛎️ If you buy your Willet-Holthuysen Museum 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 the Willet Holthuysen canal house museum located on the Map?
The Willet-Holthuysen House is located one the most expensive canals of Amsterdam: The Herengracht, also known as “The Gentlemen’s canal” in English. It is a walking distance from the Rembrandtplein.
Source: The Willet Holthuysen House