Museum Van Loon

Museum Van Loon is a museum located in a canal-side house alongside the Keizersgracht canal in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Is so named because the building in which it is located belongs to the prestigious Van Loon family. Built in 1672, the Van Loons bought the house in the nineteenth century and have since passed it down through the generations.

History of Museum Van Loon

The canal house was built in 1672 and was the home of artist Ferdinand Bol, who was a pupil of Rembrandt. The Van Loon family lived in the house from 1884 to 1945.

The Van Loon family has played an important role in the history of Amsterdam, with several of them having been mayors of the city at one time or other and one – Willem van Loon – having been a co-founder of the Dutch East India Company.

Museum Van Loon explores the family’s illustrious history and the way that it intertwines with Amsterdam’s history as a whole, with several exhibits, including a collection of family portraits, on display.

The Van Loon family also strives to add to its exhibits, often having temporary exhibitions with a local connection.

Museum Van Loon Today

A visit to Museum Van Loon offers an insight into the history of Amsterdam as a whole. It is also a time capsule into the wealth that flooded the city during a time of expansion and trade.

Visits to Museum Van Loon can include wandering through the house, its kitchen, reception rooms, and surprisingly large 17th century garden. Indeed, the interior of the house has been renovated and appears reminiscent of its 18th century appearance, with wood panelling and stucco work present throughout.

The permanent arrangement of the house is complemented by a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions, which particularly focus on family heritage, art history, and contemporary art. Guided tours are available, but must be reserved in advance.

Getting to Museum Van Loon

From the centre of Amsterdam, Museum Van Loon is a 13 minute walk from along the Herengracht road. It is also a 5 minute bike ride along one of the city’s famous cycle paths via the same route. By car, it takes around 7-10 minutes via the S100 or Plantage Middenlaan and S100 roads, and a number of public transport options are available which stop off at Keizersgracht, which is a 5 minute walk from the museum.