Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Insights: Guide to Our Lord In The Attic Museum in Amsterdam
Publication Date: 17/08/2024
Introduction to Our Lord In The Attic Museum
Discover a hidden gem in Amsterdam’s rich historical tapestry: Our Lord in the Attic Museum. Nestled in a 17th-century canal house, this clandestine church, also known as “Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder,” offers a unique glimpse into the religious and cultural heritage of Amsterdam. Originally built in 1630 and transformed into a secret Catholic church between 1661 and 1663 by Jan Hartman, a wealthy Catholic merchant, this museum stands as a testament to the resilience of Amsterdam’s Catholic community during times of religious repression (Amsterdam.info) (AmsterdamTips).
The museum’s significance lies not only in its historical context but also in its architectural ingenuity. The top three floors of the canal house were cleverly transformed to accommodate up to 150 worshippers, featuring a richly adorned altar, a pulpit, and an organ. This hidden church operated until 1887, when public Catholic worship became permissible with the opening of the Church of St. Nicholas (Wikipedia). In 1888, it was converted into a museum, making it the second oldest museum in Amsterdam after the Rijksmuseum (Introducing Amsterdam).
Today, Our Lord in the Attic Museum not only preserves this important piece of history but also provides a comprehensive visitor experience through meticulously preserved rooms, multimedia presentations, and guided tours. Recognized with the European Heritage Label in 2024, the museum continues to attract history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike, offering insights into Amsterdam’s past and the broader context of religious tolerance in Europe (Wikipedia).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Our Lord in the Attic Museum
- Architectural Features
- Transition to a Museum
- Renovations and Modern Additions
- Recognition and Awards
- Visitor Experience
- Practical Information for Visitors
- Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
- FAQ
- Conclusion
A Complete Guide to Visiting Our Lord in the Attic Museum: History, Tickets, and Tips
Introduction
Discover a hidden gem in Amsterdam’s rich historical tapestry: Our Lord in the Attic Museum. This clandestine church, tucked away in a 17th-century canal house, offers a unique glimpse into the past. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this guide provides all the information you need for a memorable visit.
History of Our Lord in the Attic Museum
Origins and Construction
Our Lord in the Attic Museum, known in Dutch as “Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder,” is a remarkable example of a clandestine church, or “schuilkerk,” hidden within a 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam. The canal house, located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-40, was originally built in 1630. The transformation of the top three floors into a hidden Catholic church took place between 1661 and 1663, under the direction of Jan Hartman, a wealthy Catholic merchant (Amsterdam.info).
Religious Context and Tolerance
The creation of this hidden church was a direct response to the religious turmoil of the time. Following the Alteration of 1578, Amsterdam fell under Protestant control, and public Catholic worship was banned. Catholics were forced to practice their faith in secret, leading to the establishment of clandestine churches like Our Lord in the Attic. Despite the official prohibition, the city authorities, influenced by the principle of freedom of conscience, often turned a blind eye to these private places of worship (AmsterdamTips).
Architectural Features
The church occupies the top three floors of the canal house and is a marvel of 17th-century ingenuity. The attic church could seat up to 150 worshippers and includes a richly adorned altar, a pulpit, and an organ. The design cleverly utilizes the limited space, with narrow benches and two semi-floors suspended from the roof to maximize seating capacity (Introducing Amsterdam).
Transition to a Museum
The clandestine church remained in use until 1887, after which it was no longer needed due to the opening of the Church of St. Nicholas, the main Catholic church in Amsterdam. On April 28, 1888, the house church was converted into a museum, making it the second oldest museum in Amsterdam after the Rijksmuseum (Wikipedia).
Renovations and Modern Additions
The building has undergone several renovations over the centuries, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 2015, a modern wing was added to the adjacent building, connected to the original house by an underground passageway. This addition provides extra exhibition space and includes multimedia presentations, enhancing the visitor experience (AmsterdamTips).
Recognition and Awards
Our Lord in the Attic Museum has received significant recognition for its historical and cultural importance. In 2024, it was awarded the European Heritage Label, highlighting its role in the history of religious tolerance and freedom of worship in Europe (Wikipedia).
Visitor Experience
Today, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to explore the meticulously preserved rooms of the canal house, including the kitchen, confessional, and living quarters. The highlight, of course, is the attic church, which remains a powerful symbol of religious resilience and tolerance (Introducing Amsterdam).
Practical Information for Visitors
Visiting Hours
The museum is open to visitors year-round. Specific hours of operation are:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM to 6 PM
- Closed on January 1st and April 30th
Tickets
Admission fees:
- Adults: €16.50
- Reduced rates for children
- Free entry for holders of the I Amsterdam City Card
Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum entrance (Budget Your Trip).
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
- Nearby Attractions: The museum is located in the heart of Amsterdam, close to other historical sites such as the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum.
- Travel Tips: Use public transportation to reach the museum easily. The nearest tram stop is Dam Square, just a short walk away.
- Special Events and Tours: Check the museum’s official website for information on special events, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility issues? A: The museum has made efforts to improve accessibility, but due to the historic nature of the building, some areas may be challenging to navigate. Contact the museum in advance for specific accessibility options.
Q: Are there guided tours available? A: Yes, guided tours are available and can provide a deeper understanding of the museum’s history and significance. Check the museum’s website for scheduling and booking information.
Q: Can I take photos inside the museum? A: Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited to preserve the artifacts.
Conclusion
Our Lord in the Attic Museum stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s rich history of religious tolerance and the resilience of its Catholic community during a time of persecution. Its transformation from a clandestine church to a museum ensures that this important piece of history is preserved and accessible to future generations. Visitors to the museum can not only appreciate the architectural ingenuity of the hidden church but also gain a deeper understanding of the historical context that necessitated its creation.
Call to Action
Plan your visit to Our Lord in the Attic Museum today and delve into Amsterdam’s fascinating past. Don’t forget to check out our other related posts and follow us on social media for more updates on historical sites in Amsterdam.
Citations and Further Reading
- Amsterdam.info. (n.d.). https://www.amsterdam.info/museums/museum_lordattic/
- AmsterdamTips. (n.d.). https://www.amsterdamtips.com/op-solder-museum
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ons%27_Lieve_Heer_op_Solder
- Introducing Amsterdam. (n.d.). https://www.introducingamsterdam.com/our-lord-in-the-attic
