• The Frans Hals Museum Haarlem frontal view
  • The Frans Hals Museum Haarlem garden
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The Frans Hals Museum Haarlem

The Frans Hals Museum Haarlem

Located in the historic center of Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum celebrates Dutch painting. It is home to the largest collection of works by Frans Hals, a master of lively portraiture. The museum combines 17th-century art with modern and contemporary exhibitions. It operates across two sites: the historic Hof and the modern Hal. Highlights include The Regentesses, Merry Drinkers, and group portraits. Displays explore civic life, society, and innovation in art. The blend of old and new creates dynamic storytelling and fresh perspectives. Visitors enjoy historic architecture, quiet courtyards, and rotating exhibits. Located just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, it's ideal for a cultural day trip. A gem for lovers of portraiture, Dutch heritage, and creative curation.

Opening hours

  • Tuesday 11:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday 11:00 - 17:00
  • Friday 11:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday 11:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday 11:00 - 17:00

How to get there

Groot Heiligland 62, 2011 ES Haarlem, Netherlands

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From €17,50

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Frans Hals Museum – Discover Dutch Art in Haarlem

The Frans Hals Museum is located in Haarlem. It is known for its collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. The museum is named after Frans Hals, a famous portrait artist known for his lively group scenes.

The museum has two locations: Hof and Hal. Both are in historic buildings in the city center. You can visit both with one ticket.

What to See

  • Group portraits by Frans Hals, like The Banquet of the Officers
  • Works by Judith Leyster, Jan Steen, and Jacob van Ruisdael
  • Temporary exhibitions with modern and contemporary art
  • A mix of old masters and new ideas
  • Quiet courtyards and historic rooms

Why Visit

  • See original 17th-century paintings in their home city
  • Learn how art reflects people and society—then and now
  • Explore two unique buildings, just 10 minutes apart
  • Great for families, tourists, and art lovers alike

Visitor Information

  • Locations: Groot Heiligland 62 and Grote Markt 16, Haarlem
  • Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 – 17:00
  • Tickets: €16.00 (adults), free for under 18
  • Free entry with Museumkaart or I amsterdam City Card
  • Facilities: Café, shop, audio guide, and tours available

The Frans Hals Museum is a great way to explore Dutch history and art. Whether you're visiting Haarlem or planning a museum day trip, it’s a must-see.

Some Highlights of The Frans Hals Museum Haarlem

A large group portrait showing officers of the St. George Militia Company gathered around a banquet table. The men wear 17th-century Dutch attire with sashes and collars, engaging in conversation and camaraderie. The painting features rich colors, dynamic poses, and detailed facial expressions characteristic of Frans Hals’s lively style.

The Banquet of the Officers of the St. George Civic Guard (1616) - Frans Hals

This iconic painting by Frans Hals is one of his most celebrated works. It depicts a group of civic guardsmen at a banquet, showcasing Hals’ talent for capturing the lively, energetic personalities of his subjects. The loose brushwork and spontaneous feeling of the composition are hallmarks of Hals' distinctive style.

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The Laughing Cavalier (1624) by Frans Hals

Another masterpiece by Hals, this famous portrait features a young man dressed in elaborate clothing, captured in a moment of confident laughter. The painting exemplifies Hals' ability to convey personality through dynamic brushstrokes and an engaging expression, making it one of his most well-known works.

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The Jolly Toper (around 1628–1630) By The Jolly Toper is a 1629 oil painting by Judith Leyster

This painting is often compared to The Merry Drinker, as it also depicts a jovial man enjoying a drink, but it resides at the Frans Hals Museum. It showcases Hals' skill in portraying the lively and spontaneous moments of everyday life, capturing the character and mood of his subjects with remarkable fluidity and naturalism.

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