Museum De Lakenhal

The basics

The 17th-century Laecken-Halle once served as the bustling center for Leiden's global cloth trade, and its original façade remains intact. In 1874, the hall was transformed to house the Museum De Lakenhal and its diverse collection of works by master painters from Leiden, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Lucas van Leyden, and Theo van Doesburg.

Today the Museum De Lakenhal is Leiden’s premier museum, and its Golden Age armaments, tile, fabric, paintings, and even an altarpiece from a “hidden church” come together to illustrate the city's history. Most Leiden walking and driving tours include a stop to admire the facade or marvel at the treasures inside.

Things to know before you go

• Leiden walking tours in the Museum De Lakenhal are primarily outdoors, so dress for the weather.

• The museum has a gift shop, cafè, and free app with additional information about the collection and tips for visiting.

• Kids can follow the Family Trail through the museum using the provided map to find 13 interactive quizzes and activities scattered throughout the collection.

• Free multilingual guided tours are offered by the museum every Sunday afternoon.

• The interiors are completely accessible for visitors using wheelchairs or strollers.

How to get there

Museum De Lakenhal is a 10-minute walk from Leiden Central Station, or you can drive and park in the nearby Lammermarkt parking garage at a discounted rate reserved for museum visitors. The town of Leiden is located just southwest of Amsterdam, and there are direct trains that make the trip in about 30 minutes.

When to get there

The museum is closed on Mondays and several national and religious holidays; check the website to confirm opening times and schedule your visit for Tuesday through Friday to avoid the weekend crowds. Arrive while there is still daylight to admire Laecken-Halle’s original facade and 17th-century architectural details.

Where to see Old Masters paintings in the Netherlands

The Netherlands enjoyed its Golden Age of art in the decades spanning the mid-17th century when painters like Vermeer and Rembrandt revolutionized the European art scene. Dutch museums house many of the most iconic works dating from this vital period, including Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring, displayed in the Mauritshuis in The Hague, and The Night Watch by Rembrandt in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum.