Sometimes you have these hidden places in the world, places of which you never have thought about they'd exist and especially not at this location. The museum of Ons Lieve Heer op Solder is one of these. This museum is located on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and looks like a well maintained but also typical canal house from the outside. However, the inside is a beautifully preserved church on the first floor. An absolute must when you visit Amsterdam.

History

The Dutch Golden Age was a strange period in the Netherlands. It was forbidden to go public for your religion. Churches were therefore not the place to show your faith. It was Jan Hartman, a wealthy merchant, who came up with something clever in 1661. He bought the building on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal (just like the two buildings next to it) and decided to build a Catholic church in secret. The construction of the church took place between 1661 and 1663 and covered the top 3 floors of the buildings. It is special to see how the church and all art have been preserved in very good condition.

The museum

As mentioned earlier, the museum is not on the ground floor. This is where the owner Jan Hartman lived with his wife and 5 children. Peter Parmentier, the priest, also lived in the building. The entrance of the museum is located there as well. You enter the hall, don't forget to look up here at the beautifully decorated ceiling. Here you will see furniture and a large fireplace with the family coat of arms of the Hartman family up there on the wall. The living area has 2 kitchen where you will find old but well preserved Delft Blue.

Next, you go to the attic, the place where it's all about. Here is the church that is still in almost original condition. An altar, murals and large pillars make it very impressive and all behind the facade of a canal house. In recent years, it has been possible to carry out restorations on the walls without seeing any of them. But science and computer programs have managed to revive old colors and look more beautiful than ever before.

Disabled

If you are poorly on your feet or in a wheelchair, this museum is not the most suitable. There is a lift up but due to the tight paths and many steps it is unfortunately not possible for wheelchair users to move around freely and fully experience this museum.

Tickets

You can obtain tickets online or at the door. Entrance includes a free audio tour, which is available in multiple translations. With the Museumjaarkaart or I Amsterdam Card you have free admission.