L'Ons' Lieve Heer Op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) is set in a canal-side house in Amsterdam.
At one time, it served as a Catholic church hidden away in an attic.
In 2015, the Op Solder museum added a modern wing to the adjacent building, linked to the original house by an underground passage.
Today, I'd like to tell you about this exceptional place in Amsterdam.
Ons' Lieve Heer Op Solder : article summary
Ons' Lieve Heer Op Solder: a secret church
The museum's centerpiece is undoubtedly the beautiful little church that spans the attics of 3 adjacent houses. The church can accommodate up to 150 worshippers and boasts a magnificent decor with its own organ.
Catholic public services were officially banned from the end of the 16th century. after the Protestant takeover in 1578.
The Op Solder church dates back to 1663 and was built by wealthy Catholic merchant Jan Hartman (1619-1668), who lived in the house with his family.
The city authorities, under the influence of William of Orange, turned a blind eye to such private places of worship.
A place that became a museum over time
The church continued to be used until 1887, and the following year the house was converted into a museum. It is in fact Amsterdam's second oldest museum, after the Rijksmuseum.
The old house contains a number of restored rooms with various religious objects, paintings and some period furniture, including a 17th-century kitchen, typical dormitories and a small confessional.
A large number of ceramic objects are also on display, discovered during the museum's most recent renovation. They come from the house's cesspit.
The modern wing and underground passageway offer additional exhibition space with video presentations.
Ons' Lieve Heer Op Solder: an inaccessible tour for people with reduced mobility
A visit to the museum takes around 1 hour. Don't forget that the house contains steep stairs, so you'll need a certain degree of mobility. to access all zones.
Next to it is a large-scale model of the latter.
The modern wing includes a café on the 1ᵉʳ floor and a temporary exhibition hall on the 2ᵉ floor.
An audio tour accompanies you as you explore the site
The included audio tour (7 languages available) provides context and a closer look at the points of interest around the house and church.
What are the opening hours?
You can visit us on site:
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
- From 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
How much does admission cost?
To visit the Op Solder, you need :
- 16,50 € per adult
- 7,50 € for children aged five to 17
As in many places in Amsterdam, children under the age of four do not pay admission.
How do I get there?
The museum is located near the red-light district, on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal, not far from the city centre. d'Oudekerk. It is just a few minutes' walk from the Dam squarethe Nieuwmarkt or the Amsterdam Central Station. Visit tramways 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 24 all stop at Place du Dam. You can also take the metro 51, 53, or 54 to Nieuwmarkt or metro 52 to Rokin.
The Op Solder Museum is a fascinating place to visit, combining elements of a 17th-century merchant's house, a beautiful hidden church and the underlying themes of tolerance and religious freedom. It's a haven of peace far from the surrounding red-light district and well worth a visit.
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