Feel the history in Museum Willet-Holthuysen

Jul 19, 2011 | by Jerry Houtman | Art, Spots

About the author

Jerry is the name, online is my game. I'm a digital enthusiast, ranging from old skool gaming and Space Invaders to iPads and social media. The integration of digital elements in everyday life and art have my particular interest, and besides that I'm part time rockaholic.

If you are like me —if you like museums and lifestyle in the old times— then follow my advice and visit Museum Willet-Holthuysen, which is located just in the centre of Amsterdam. Actually, I will correct myself. If you like to know how people used to live a few centuries ago, but you do not like museums, you should visit this museum anyway. Reason? It does not feel like a museum at all, rather a memorial house or a small peek in the 18th/19th century.

I could speak about wonderful Amsterdam museums for a long time, but Museum Willet-Holthuysen is one of my favourite ones because of the special feeling it creates. I envy Mr and Ms Willet for being so rich, for living in such an amazing house, for living in 19th century and for being in the centre of the society. Yet I also feel sorry for them for not having children and I say a huge “thanks” to them for leaving this house to the city of Amsterdam and turning it into a wonderful canal house museum.

Museum Willet-Holthuysen

Location: Herengracht 605, 1017 CE
Website: www.willetholthuysen.nl
Opening Times: 10am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 11am – 5pm (weekends and public holidays)
Entrance fee: €8 (adults), €6 (with ISIC or CJP card), Free (with Museumkaart)