The corridors of Huis Willet-Holthuysen resonate with the sound of soft live music during special events, while outside in the garden the tight pattern of the French symmetrical layout is still present. In this heritage building, the period rooms are still entirely as they were decorated in the 19th century, complete with original art collection and authentic furniture. The monumental staircase and Great Hall lead you through a time that keeps the rich history of an Amsterdam family alive.
The house was built around 1685 by architect Jacob Hop, although the facade still dates from 1739 and was redesigned in Louis XIV style. The garden pays homage to the French landscape style, designed by architect Daniel Marot. Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen, for whom the house was family life for centuries, donated it to the city in 1895 with the desire that it serve as a museum. Since 1896, it has been open to the public as a museum displaying the daily life of the 19th-century elite.
In addition to its permanent collections, Huis Willet-Holthuysen offers changing exhibitions. Currently there is the "Grand March," an exhibition that takes the house and in particular the ballroom as its starting point. The exhibition features fashion, photography and art installations by House of Vineyard and runs until the end of 2025. Other events include themed activities such as an Easter celebration with egg hunts in the garden and participation in Museum Night with various collectives.
The Louis XVI-style ballroom and salons are surrounded by furniture and art that hearken directly back to the residents of the 19th century.
Huis Willet-Holthuysen presents a picture of life in a rich canal house from the 17th and 19th centuries, preserving many original elements and programming that keeps the cultural heritage alive. In doing so, it remains a place where history and art are at your fingertips, without being adapted to trendiness or commercial use.