Museum
Our Lord in the Attic Museum
Hidden in the heart of Amsterdam’s city center is a small wonder: Our Lord in the Attic Museum. Visitors will discover a rare well-preserved canal house from the 17th century. Narrow corridors and stairs lead to historically decorated living quarters, kitchens and bedsteads, ending in what is literally the highlight of the museum: a complete church in the attic.
The attic church was commissioned by the wealthy Catholic merchant Jan Hartman and dedicated in 1663. During Hartman’s time living with his family in the canal house, a Protestant city government was in power. It is forbidden to practice the Catholic faith in public spaces. The former Catholic churches and monasteries have been confiscated and are being used for Protestant worship. Catholics must seek alternatives and henceforth celebrate Mass in tucked away house churches. This is tolerated by the city government! Indeed, in the Republic of the Netherlands, the principle of freedom of conscience applies. Behind the front door, everyone is allowed to think and believe whatever they want. This created a climate of tolerance exceptional for the time, in which different religious populations could live together in the city.
When buying a ticket, we advise you to book a specific time; it’s not obligatory but then you can be sure your visit will go ahead on the day you select. While normal tickets cost €15.50, various concessions are available, including Museumkaart.
The museum is closed on some holidays. View the current opening hours and see which holidays the museum is closed. This way you will not be faced with unnecessary surprises.
The museum has a permanent presentation which is always on show, in addition to which the museum also features occasional exhibitions and displays. Check out our diary for the latest programmes, including open days and public mass in the attic.
There’s always something for families and children to do in Our Lord in the Attic Museum. Take a walk with Ladybird Kapoentje up the stairs and along the rooms. Do the Feast! audio tour and earn a Feast! certificate. Or celebrate your birthday with your friends in the seventeenth century! See the programme: Short url: opsolder.nl/families
A visit to the seventeenth-century canal-side house and the attic church involves climbing a lot of narrow stairs. So that the museum presents a challenge for visitors with limited mobility.
Groups are very welcome in Our Lord in the Attic Museum. Your group can visit the museum using individual audio tours, or a museum guide.
A historical house at an amazing location with a unique story about living, working and faith in the seventeenth century.
The attic church at Our Lord in the Attic Museum has been the most romantic place to hold a wedding in Amsterdam’s city centre We also have various locations suitable for receptions, lectures and meetings.
Our Lord in the Attic Museum manages to remain open to the public thanks to the generous subsidies and donations of our friends. Together with our revenue from ticket sales, this represents a significant share of the museum’s funding.
While the museum is situated in Amsterdam’s busy city centre, it is well hidden and so may be difficult to find. Here is the physical address, how to get there and other practical tips. Here is the physical address, how to get there and other practical tips.
Visitors to our superbly preserved and restored historical monument are requested to observe certain basic rules. Please note the terms and conditions before starting your visit.