• Museum Lakenhal Leiden view from the inside patio on a sunny day
  • Museum Lakenhal Leiden outside frontal view on the canal with a sunny cloud sky
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Museum Lakenhal Leiden

Museum Lakenhal Leiden

De Lakenhal is the city museum of Leiden, steeped in local art and history. The museum is housed in a 17th-century cloth hall, beautifully restored. Its collection includes Dutch Golden Age painters, modern art, and textiles. Highlights feature early works by Rembrandt, who was born in Leiden. Exhibitions explore religion, science, and civic life through visual culture. Temporary shows bring in new perspectives and contemporary relevance. Restoration efforts respect the building’s craftsmanship and legacy. Visitors enjoy both architectural elegance and storytelling depth. It’s a window into Leiden’s identity as a city of knowledge and art. Ideal for lovers of Dutch painting, history, and heritage.

Opening hours

  • Tuesday to Sunday, from 10.00 to 17.00

How to get there

📍 Oude Singel 32, 2312 RA Leiden

Prices from

From €16.00

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Museum Lakenhal – Art and history in the heart of Leiden

Museum Lakenhal is the main art museum in Leiden. It shows the history of the city and the art it inspired. The museum mixes old masters, modern art, and stories from daily life.

What to See

  • Paintings by Rembrandt and his teachers
  • Dutch Golden Age works by Jan Steen and others
  • Modern art and design from the 20th century
  • Objects from Leiden’s textile and science history
  • Changing exhibitions with new and classic art

Why Visit

  • See where Rembrandt’s story began
  • Learn about the rich history of Leiden
  • Enjoy bright galleries and peaceful spaces
  • Explore art and stories across 400 years

The Museum

Museum De Lakenhal is in a former 17th-century cloth hall. It opened as a museum in 1874. After a full renovation, it reopened in 2019 with more space, light, and comfort. It is now one of the most modern history museums in the Netherlands.

Visitor Information

  • Address: Oude Singel 28-32, Leiden
  • Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00
  • Tickets: €15.00 (adults), free for under 18
  • Free with Museumkaart
  • Facilities: Café, museum shop, lockers, and guided tours

Museum De Lakenhal is perfect for anyone who wants to explore Dutch art, Leiden history, and modern design in one inspiring place.

Some Highlights of Museum Lakenhal Leiden

The Last Judgement by Lucas van Leyden

A stunning early-16th-century triptych, filled with dramatic expression and detail, painted by Leiden’s Renaissance master.. It remains a key attraction within the museum, drawing attention for its detail and symbolism.. Visitors often note the emotional and visual impact of this exhibit.. The work is an excellent example of the period's artistic style and craftsmanship.. Its presence in the museum offers a deeper connection to the artist’s legacy and the themes explored.

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Leids Beleg by Mattheus Ignatius van Bree

Het Beleg van Leiden by Mattheus Ignatius van Bree is a dramatic historical painting depicting the heroic endurance of the citizens of Leiden during the 1574 siege in the Eighty Years’ War. The work captures a pivotal moment of suffering, resilience, and ultimate liberation, painted with theatrical composition and emotional intensity. Van Bree's neoclassical style emphasizes noble sacrifice and civic pride, making the scene both educational and evocative. It remains a powerful tribute to one of the most celebrated episodes in Dutch resistance history.

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Textile & Industry Rooms

Explore the city’s rich textile history, showcased through beautifully preserved tapestries and looms.. It remains a key attraction within the museum, drawing attention for its detail and symbolism.. Visitors often note the emotional and visual impact of this exhibit.. The work is an excellent example of the period's artistic style and craftsmanship.. Its presence in the museum offers a deeper connection to the artist’s legacy and the themes explored.

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