Introduction The Amstelkring Museum is a fascinating cultural institution located in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The museum is situated in a 17th-century canal house on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, which was once used as a clandestine Catholic church during the Reformation period. Today, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore this unique historical site and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Amsterdam.
Amstelkring Museum, Amsterdam
Introduction
The Amstelkring Museum is a fascinating cultural institution located in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The museum is situated in a 17th-century canal house on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal, which was once used as a clandestine Catholic church during the Reformation period. Today, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to explore this unique historical site and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Amsterdam.
History
The Amstelkring Museum is housed in a 17th-century canal house that was built in 1630. During the Reformation period, Catholics were forbidden to practice their faith publicly, and so they began holding secret services in private homes. The top three floors of this canal house were transformed into a hidden church during the 1660s, which became known as Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic).
The church remained in use until the Church of St Nicholas was opened in 1887. After that, the building was renovated and opened to the public as a museum on April 28, 1888. The museum was previously named Museum Amstelkring and is now called Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (English: Museum Our Lord in the Attic).
Collection
The Amstelkring Museum features a collection of artifacts, paintings, and historical objects that tell the story of Amsterdam's cultural heritage. The museum contains several rooms, including the front room, the between room, the hall, the church, the Lady chapel, the confessional, the Jaap Leeuwenberg hall, and the 17th-century kitchen.
The museum's collection includes several notable paintings by Dutch artists, such as
Jacob De Wit's Holy Family and Trinity (
View painting) and
Eglon Van Der Neer's Allegory of Religion (
View painting). The museum also features works by other notable artists, such as
David The Younger Ryckaert,
Richard Brakenburg, and
Adriaen Van Der Werff.
Visiting the Museum
The Amstelkring Museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for January 1st and December 25th. Visitors can purchase tickets at the museum or online through the museum's official website. The museum offers guided tours in several languages, including English, Dutch, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.
Conclusion
The Amstelkring Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Amsterdam. The museum's unique historical site and rich collection of artifacts, paintings, and historical objects offer visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, the Amstelkring Museum is sure to delight and inspire.
Amstelkring Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Jacob De Wit, Dutch Painter, 1695-1754.
Holy Family and Trinity. Oil on canvas. Amstelkring Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands).
David The Younger Ryckaert, Flemish Painter, 1612-1661.
Man Sleeping. Oil on panel. Amstelkring Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands).
Eglon Van Der Neer, Dutch Painter, 1634-1703.
Allegory of Religion. Oil on panel. Amstelkring Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands).
Richard Brakenburg, Dutch Painter, 1650-1702.
St Nicholas Eve. Oil on canvas. Amstelkring Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands).
Adriaen Van Der Werff, Dutch Painter, 1659-1722.
Holy Family. Oil on panel. Amstelkring Museum (Amsterdam, Netherlands).