Museum Willet-Holthuysen: Glimpse of 17th Century Amsterdam
Museum Willet-Holthuysen is named after Sandrina Holthuysen and her husband Abraham Willet who lived in this canal house at the end of 17th century. They bequeathed the house together with their collection of paintings, glass, silver and ceramics to the City of .
A visit to the museum allows you a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants who lived in luxury along the canal ring.
The entrance to the museum is through the basement door under the stone steps that lead up to the first floor. This used to be the servants’ entrance.
The basement was the coolest part of the house and contained the kitchen, wine cellar, scullery and a store room. This part of the house was also the servants’ quarters.
The first floor was where the family lived and entertained their guests.
Diningroom
The Blue Room was the domain of the master of the house. The walls are hung with heavy blue damask and the room is furnished in a flashy ornate style copied from the French. Dutch merchants considered this the epitome of good taste.
The Front Room is in neo-Louis XVI style; gilded chandeliers, graceful drapes and velouté wallpaper in yellow and purple, the taste of the time. This was the room where visitors were received.
The Ball Room was the place for entertainment; musical gatherings, literary evenings, art viewing and costumed balls.
Bedroom
The table in the Dining Room is laid for six persons, with a damask tablecloth and napkins and Meissen porcelain dinner set. The complete set is 275-piece and sufficient to entertain 24 guests.
The Garden Room is octagonal in shape, was used for taking tea.
A sweeping staircase with elaborate gilded balustrade leads up to the second floor and the bedrooms.
If you have always wanted to see the inside of a canal house, a visit to Museum Willet-Holthuysen is highly recommended. Be sure to pick up the booklet of explanation (in English) at the front desk and learn about the details of life 300 years ago. How water was filtered, meat roasted and windows cleaned.
WHAT:
WHERE: Herengracht 605
ADMISSION: adult €6, concession €4.50
and museum card: free
Open 10 am – 5 pm, closed on Monday.
metro: Rembrandtplein
tram: 4, 9 and 14
photo credits: personal collection
