Are you a traveler seeking museums in Haarlem? If so, this article has museums for you to explore.
Museums range in size from nationwide museums with multi-million item collections housed in large buildings to local museums with small collections of artifacts.
Some museums display different kinds of artwork and historical objects—including paintings, sculptures, furniture, textiles, photography, and films—while others serve as repositories for scientific specimens. There are museums for everyone’s taste here: the best museums in Haarlem are waiting!
Best Museums in Haarlem, Netherlands to Visit
1. Ten Boom Museum
Address: Barteljorisstraat 19, 2011 RA Haarlem, Netherlands
The Ten Boom Museum is best for travelers looking to introduce themselves to Dutch history and culture before exploring the rest of Haarlem. The museum was built in honor of Corrie ten Boom, who hid Jews and others persecuted by the Nazis during the German occupation in WWII. The museum may only be seen on a guided tour. Tours last about an hour long and can be taken at any time of day!
The building has been transformed into what looked like a hiding place for individuals who needed a safe haven during the war. Corrie ten Boom’s bedroom hides a refuge behind a fake wall which can be seen as you explore the museum.
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2. Windmill De Adriaan (1779)
Address: Papentorenvest 1A, 2011 AV Haarlem, Netherlands
The Molen de Adriaan or Windmill De Adriaan is one of the Netherlands’ numerous lovely sites and best museums. Built-in 1779, it’s arguably the oldest museum in the city too.
The attractive windmill is one of the most distinguishable landmarks of the municipality and a well-known attraction in the Netherlands, located on the picturesque river Spaarne. Its inherent beauty, as well as its historical importance, make it a must-see stop when visiting Haarlem and a great photo opportunity.
The mill tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Molen de Adriaan features a number of exhibits pertaining to mill technology and the mill’s rich historical past. The bottom floor of the windmill is home to a permanent exhibit about De Adriaan’s windmill that is open all year.
The lookout point for the Molen de Adriaan is 12 meters above ground level. The top of the mill, its viewing platform, and the picturesque riverbank views from the bottom of the mill allow visitors to enjoy a beautiful overview of the surrounding area. When it comes to mementos, visitors might purchase a variety of windmill-related stuff in the museum’s store.
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3. De Cruquius
Address: Cruquiusdijk 27, 2142 ER Cruquius, Netherlands
The De Cruquius is a historical museum and an internationally renowned industrial monument in Cruquius, near Haarlem. Of all the museums in the Netherlands, it’s one of the nation’s most notable attractions and the best history museums.
The Haarlemmermeer municipality has been gradually drained over the years, resulting in the reclamation of flooded lands and the formation of peat ponds that eventually became enormous lakes, and the museum’s exhibits chronicle the history of the Haarlemmermeer drainage.
Visiting the museum includes seeing the world’s largest steam engine which dates back to 1849. The world’s largest cylinder is powered by eight pumps and is found in the machine room. You will also discover how the industry evolved and changed Holland during this period.
It is recommended that you pay a visit to the museum; this is especially beneficial for visitors who wish to make the most of their stay in Haarlem. The museum is conveniently located near several of the town’s attractions, which saves time on transportation and hotels.
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4. NZH Transport Museum
Address: A. Hofmanweg 35, 2031 BH Haarlem, Netherlands
The NZH Transport Museum is a must-see when in Haarlem. It’s a museum that aims to pique people’s attention while also protecting the nation’s cultural history linked with buses and trams. In 1981, the museum was created to serve as a corporate museum for the NZH, where it has been open for a century.
Because it is fittingly located adjacent to the old bus depot in Haarlem, the museum is easily accessible. In this museum, a permanent display of the NZH tram and bus company is on show. One of the fascinating things to do when visiting the museum is to look at and appreciate the vintage trams and buses on exhibit.
Along with historical railway artifacts, the exhibition also included displays of vintage transportation and other related archives. Aside from being one of the best museums around it has a lovely café, where visitors may relax and have a drink and buy mementos.
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5. Teylers Museum
Address: Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem, Netherlands
The Teylers Museum is one of Haarlem’s top attractions, and it should not be missed if you’re planning a fun day in the city. It’s arguably the best museum in the city that any art or science lover will enjoy.
The Teylers Museum is a location that offers a variety of unique artworks, fossil collections, and science-related exhibits with a long and illustrious heritage that has been welcoming visitors since 1784. It also houses a wide range of art masterpieces while also educating visitors about history and science.
The museum allows visitors to discover amazing art, natural history, and scientific artifacts in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
The museum was created as a monument to the remarkable collection of Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, a prominent banker, and merchant who bequeathed his huge collection of treasures to the institution. The museum’s most prominent features are its fossil and mineral collection, which should not be missed if you have the chance.
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6. Archeological Museum Haarlem
Address: Grote Markt 18k, 2011 RD Haarlem, Netherlands
Don’t forget to visit the amazing Archeological Museum Haarlem, which is one of the best museums to see while visiting Haarlem. The museum is located in the basement and old basement of the Vleeshal, a centuries-old building on the Grote Markt. The museum is a hidden treasure of the city.
The Archeological Museum Haarlem has a fascinating permanent exhibition about the region’s first people and covers the history of Haarlem over 6000 years. The museum features a variety of curious activities, including a make-believe excavation for children to get stuck in.
Also, the museum’s architecture features a rotating exhibit on the right side of the structure, while the permanent exhibit is located on the left.
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7. Barrel Organ Museum Haarlem
Address: Küppersweg 3, 2031 EA Haarlem, Netherlands
The Barrel Organ Museum Haarlem is one of the best museums on the map to get your history fix in. You can enjoy their diverse collection of barrel organs at this museum. The museum was built to house and display Haarlems’s collection of historic organs, which had accumulated over time.
Since it first opened its doors to the public in 1969, the gallery has welcomed thousands of visitors eager to discover the extensive collection of antique and rare barrel organs on display.
There are many important historic organ objects on display in museums, such as The Kunkels Organ, which is utilized for performances and on loan from the National Museum of the Netherlands.
The best part about this museum? The website says it’s FREE to visit every Sunday, no reservations needed, so get it on your calendar!
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8. Brederode Castle
Address: Velserenderlaan 2, 2082 LA Santpoort-Zuid, Netherlands
The striking Brederode Castle, also known as the Ruins of Brederode to locals, is found in this town near the city of Haarlem. It is the ruined remains of a medieval castle that once belonged to the House of Brederode, one of the Kingdom’s most powerful families. It is among the most wonderful castles to see in Europe, in spite of its ruined state.
The castle was built in 1285 by Willem van Brederode, and it has evolved from a single tower to an imposing structure encircled by breathtaking views.
The ruins are now a tourist attraction with more than a few reviews commenting on how they radiate peace and offer excellent photo opportunities.
There’s also a museum and cultural center on-site, and it holds guided tours and concerts as well as other special events. One of the coolest parts of the museum is the display of medieval torture equipment as well as more information about the building’s construction.
Hiking is an outstanding pastime to do while in The castle is also located on the outskirts of Zuid-Kennemern Netherlands National Park allowing for some terrific hiking and more places to capture the perfect photo.
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9. Frans Hals Museum
Address: Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 ES Haarlem, Netherlands
The city of Haarlem is home to several museums, including the Frans Hals Museum, home to a number of natural wonders, spectacular monuments, and other art. The Frans Hals Museum is easily one of the best museums on the city map.
Also known as de Hallen Haarlem, the museum is dedicated to the renowned Dutch painter Frans Hals, and it houses the world’s most complete collection of his works.
Art and history lovers may enjoy examining the 16th and 17th Century art collections in de Hallen Haarlem. The Frans Hals collection is not the only one displayed at the museum as other famous artists’ works were also on display.
Other collections include modern art by Monet and Corbet. There’s also an incredible collection of an 18th Century dollhouse, which includes thousands of small items, children may enjoy a day in the museum. Of all the places to visit in Haarlem, the Frans Hals museum is one of the best places to visit with the family.
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10. Pavilion Welgelegen
Address: Dreef 3, 2012 HR Haarlem, Netherlands
The historical building of Pavilion Welgelegen is a remarkable attraction in Haarlem, Netherlands. It is a national landmark and is currently the location of the city and the provincial executive’s offices. Finding the attraction is easy for it is located at the north end of a public park in Haarlem.
It was constructed between 1785 and 1789 by Henry Hope, and it was purchased by Louis Bonaparte, the former Puppet King of Holland, brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1801. The pavilion was later formerly used as a royal holiday home for the Dutch monarchy.
In addition to being known as the Villa Welgelegen, the Pavilion Welgelegen is an outstanding example of neoclassical architecture. The building contains several historical artifacts and furnishings that have been preserved.
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11. Art fort vijfhuizen
Address: Fortwachter 1, 2141 EE Vijfhuizen, Netherlands
The Art fort Vijfhuizen (or Kunstfort Vijfhuizen) is one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful museums. Here you can enjoy a fascinating and enjoyable tour of this World Heritage Site and part of Amsterdam’s defense line from 1880 to 1914.
Avid art enthusiasts will enjoy the museum and fort, which are a treasure trove of works by masters such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Steen.
The Vijfhuizen Fort and Museum is a large fort that has been turned into an “art fortress,” which today houses renowned works of art by Dutch and international artists.
There are many works of art scattered throughout the fort’s huge structure. The museum provides hours of adventure for visitors since the artwork treasures are displayed in curious places, making the trip more interesting and pleasurable.
If you only have a short amount of time to tour the museum, the audio guide will assist you in locating all of the pieces quickly.
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12. Historisch Museum Haarlemmermeer
Address: Bosweg 17, 2131 LX Hoofddorp, Netherlands
The Historic Museum Haarlemmermeer is a family-friendly attraction in the city of Hoofddorp, near Haarlem. It’s a fun place for kids to visit and participate in various activities. Visiting the museum is like taking a trip back to when Haarlemmermeer was restored in 1800.
Visitors can discover a replica of an ancient village with antique schools, a church, and other historic buildings in the museum’s displays. There are various historical relics on display, as well as documentaries about Haarlemmermeer.
At the Historic Museum Haarlemmermeer, visitors may view a collection of photographs taken of the surrounding area as well as digital booklets that describe the region’s fascinating history.
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13. Museum Kennemerland
Address: Westerhoutplein 1, 1943 AA Beverwijk, Netherlands
There are a lot of amazing museums in the Netherlands to visit when planning a trip there. The Museum of Kennemerland is one such museum. It was constructed in 1890 on the site of the previous town hall in Beverwijk, near the city of Haarlem.
The museum’s permanent collection and exhibits include Velser ceramic ware, archaeological finds from the region, historical relics from the region’s industry, as well as everyday domestic items from yesteryear.
The Museum of Kennemerland is one of the best places to visit with the whole family. Children will enjoy seeing the museum since it also contains a collection of toys and skates for them to discover.
The Museum of Kennemerland also houses pieces from Central Kennemerland collections such as artworks, prints, and archaeological finds. After touring the museum and seeing all exhibits, visitors may purchase gifts from the museum shop.
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14. Het Dolhuys
Address: Schotersingel 2, 2021 GE Haarlem, Netherlands
Do you want to learn more about psychiatry? The Het Dolhuys Museum and Attraction in Haarlem is the ideal site to visit if you want to learn more about psychiatry.
In the museum also known as Museum van de Geest, visitors can delve into a fascinating tour of psychiatry and its history. It was formerly a facility for the treatment of mentally ill people and a leper home before becoming a museum in 2005.
It provides an educational tour, and visiting the museum is eye-opening, helping to remove the harmful stigma associated with mental illness.
The museum’s mental illnesses and linked psychotherapy displays have received several accolades, and its specific collections and exhibitions have seen ringing reviews.
The museum may also be used as a starting point for an entertaining day of exploring the town’s other attractions since it is conveniently located near several key sites on the map.
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Final Thoughts
The museums in Haarlem may be some of the best museums to visit during your trip to the Netherlands, certainly if you want a more educational experience. These museums include Het Dolhuys, Museum Kennemerland, The Historisch Museum Haarlemmermeer, Ric Museum Haarlemmermeer, and more!
If you’re looking for museums that are family-friendly attractions with lots of activities and exhibitions on display, this is an excellent list to start with. Museums offer visitors the chance to learn about history through artifacts from centuries past.
If you’re interested in museums and want to learn more about the best museums in Haarlem or museums that are worth visiting while you’re in the Netherlands, we’ve got a few suggestions for you!
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FAQ
What are museums in Haarlem open all year long?
These museums are open all year long, and admission is free of charge:
– Museum “de Langestraat” is a museum with exhibits about the history and culture of Haarlem and its inhabitants.
– One can also visit Museum “De Schaijk,” which contains paintings, photographs, sculptures, and drawings from the 18th century to today by Dutch artists such as Jan van Goyen, Jacob Van Ruisdae, and Piet Mondrian. This museum has a café that serves typical Dutch food.
What can you see at museums in Haarlem?
You’ll find museums across Haarlem, but some of the best museums in Haarlem are within walking distance of each other.
For example, the Museum de Fundatie is on Overtoomse Veld 5A and contains 35,000 paintings and sculptures by famous artists like Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-69), Jan Steen (1626-79), Vincent Van Gogh (1853-90), Salvador Dali (1904-1989) among many others.
The Stedelijk Museum Schiedam on Schiedamsesingel 28 houses large collections from James Ensor, Paula Modersohn Becker, Emil Nolde, and George Grosz.
In addition to museums and art galleries, featuring modern and contemporary art, Haarlem is home to the Netherlands Film Museum.
Each museum in Haarlem highlights a unique cultural aspect of the city and the Netherlands, making museums a great way to learn more about other cultures while you’re traveling or visiting from out of town.
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