Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

A priceless piece of everyday Amsterdam culture from the 17th and 18th century has survived in this Grachten house on the verge of the red light district. The merchant Jan Hartmann started building this magnificent domicile with its impressive gables, spruce brick facade and tall windows as of 1661, so the family could watch the lively scene in front of the house. The two rear buildings of the same estate were rented out. The warehouse offered enough room for the stocking deliveries of the wealthy... merchant. The biggest surprise among all the original household items and furniture can be found directly under the roof: the secret Catholic church “Our Dear God in the Attic” dedicated to Saint Nicholas. Because it was forbidden to minister catholic services publicly under the reign of the Calvinist regime, the Hartmann family and other believers met at this private place. The church was in usage until 1887. After that, the entire building was turned into a museum. Today a foundation manages the treasures from the past. more