Our Lord in the Attic Amsterdam
Discover a stunning 17th-century canal house with a secret, ornate Catholic church hidden in its attic. A unique glimpse into Amsterdam's history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Our Lord in the Attic Amsterdam
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a stunning 17th-century canal house with a secret, ornate Catholic church hidden in its attic. A unique glimpse into Amsterdam's history.
"A truly unique and fascinating museum, a hidden gem in Amsterdam!"
👟 Mind the Stairs!
Original 17th-century stairs are steep & narrow. Take your time, especially going down!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Popular spot! Secure your entry time by booking tickets in advance online.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Secret Attic Church
Top Floor
A stunning, ornate Catholic church hidden in the attic of a 17th-century canal house. A testament to faith during persecution.
17th-Century Canal House Interior
Throughout the House
Explore the beautifully preserved rooms of a historic canal house, offering a glimpse into Amsterdam's Golden Age.
Original Steep Staircase
Connecting Floors
Experience the unique, original 1660s staircase, a challenging but authentic part of the museum's historical architecture.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for This Hidden Gem
Navigating the Historic Staircase
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Mind the Stairs!
Original 17th-century stairs are steep & narrow. Take your time, especially going down!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Popular spot! Secure your entry time by booking tickets in advance online.
🤫 Be Respectful
It's a former place of worship. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Audio guides are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Mind the Stairs!
Original 17th-century stairs are steep & narrow. Take your time, especially going down!
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Popular spot! Secure your entry time by booking tickets in advance online.
🤫 Be Respectful
It's a former place of worship. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor inside.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Audio guides are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Our Lord in the Attic for its unique historical significance and the astonishing hidden church. The preserved 17th-century canal house interiors are also a major draw. Some find the original, steep stairs challenging, and recommend booking tickets in advance due to its popularity.
"This was such an unexpectedly amazing museum! I did not know what to think going in, but I was extremely impressed with the thoroughness of this museum! The audio guide is very similar in style and usage as the Anne Frank House guide, but discussed very different topics! I learned a lot about the Dutch history of “Gadowgin” in relation to religious beliefs and culture. I came away from this museum with lots of new knowledge and in awe of the work done in the attic to create such a unique and beautiful chapel! I highly recommend this museum tour to anyone interested in learning more about Dutch history and culture as pertains to religion and tolerance of the Dutch people!
You don’t have to buy your tickets in advance, as this museum is not as popular as the Anne Frank House (yet!)."
Jacob Martin
"Mrs B had found out about this before we travelled to Amsterdam
Amazing historical site with the only intact and restored attic church remaining in the city.
We had not booked but easily for tickets on a Sunday afternoon. Not crowded or too busy. Large bags have to left in a secure locker 🔐
The audio guide boxes can be set to many languages and make the sections come alive.
Be prepared for steps up and down (the church is in the attic after all!).
We learned much about life in these times as well as the attic churches.
Fascinating.
Highly recommended ✅"
Mark Burgess
"200% it was fantastic! They direct you through the entire facility with a playback device in your language. It actually works! We went through quite a few churches in the 18 days and this was the best. Be ready for old stairs that are steep and curved. Lots of history and well worth the extra time you will want to spend there."
Sam Shiblom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Amsterdam, easily accessible by public transport. Take tram lines 4, 14, or 24 to the Dam Square stop, or tram lines 2, 12, or 13 to the Rokin stop. It's also a pleasant walk from Centraal Station.
Yes, it's very walkable from many central Amsterdam attractions. If you're exploring the city center, you can easily incorporate a visit on foot.
Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are bike racks nearby, but be mindful of busy city traffic.
From Amsterdam Centraal Station, you can take a short tram ride (lines 4, 14, or 24) or enjoy a 15-20 minute walk through the city center.
Parking in central Amsterdam is expensive and often difficult. It's best to use public transport or cycle. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages like the one at Dam Square.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but typically range from €15-€20 for adults. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the museum is open daily from around 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's crucial to check the official website for the exact times during your visit.
There is no strict dress code, but as it's a former place of worship, modest attire is appreciated. Comfortable shoes are essential due to the historic stairs.
It's best to check the museum's official website or your specific museum pass details to confirm if it's accepted. Not all passes cover smaller, independent museums.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's a unique museum housed in a 17th-century canal house, featuring a hidden, ornate Catholic church built in the attic. It showcases life in Amsterdam during a time when Catholicism was practiced in secret. 
Due to its historic nature and original steep stairs, the museum is not fully accessible for individuals with significant mobility challenges. The attic church requires climbing.
Yes, audio guides are available and highly recommended. They provide detailed historical context and stories about the house and its inhabitants.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the house and the attic church, including time for the audio guide.
Photography is generally allowed, but without flash to protect the historic interiors. Always check for specific signage within the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
The attic church itself is incredibly photogenic, especially with its ornate details. The canal house interiors also offer charming shots of historic Dutch architecture.
Yes, the unique, steep stairs are a key feature and make for interesting photos. Just be careful while you're taking pictures and navigating them.
No, flash photography is typically not allowed inside to preserve the delicate historical artifacts and interiors.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful natural light filtering through the windows, creating a warm ambiance. However, the unique atmosphere is present throughout the day.
Drone photography is not permitted inside or around the museum premises.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents should be aware of the very steep and narrow original stairs. While exciting, they require close supervision for young children. It's not ideal for strollers, and children who are unsteady on their feet might need extra assistance. The experience is more suited for families with older children who can appreciate the history and navigate the stairs safely.
🚶 History Buffs & Culture Seekers
+1The preserved interiors and the detailed audio tour offer rich historical context. You'll gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by clandestine religious communities and the architectural solutions they employed. It's a chance to connect with a lesser-known but crucial aspect of Amsterdam's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Hidden Church
+1The church, capable of holding around 150 people, was a marvel of discreet architecture. It featured an altar, pews, and even a pulpit, all cleverly integrated into the attic space. The house itself remained a private residence, masking the secret religious activities within. This hidden sanctuary allowed Catholics to worship freely and safely for over a century, offering a vital spiritual haven during a challenging period in Dutch history.
+1Today, the museum preserves this unique history, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the atmosphere of this clandestine place of worship. The preserved rooms, including the church, offer a poignant glimpse into the lives of Amsterdam's hidden Catholic community and their resilience. It's a powerful reminder of the struggles for religious freedom.
+1Navigating the Historic Architecture
The most striking architectural feature, however, is the original staircase connecting the different levels. These stairs, dating back to the 1660s, are exceptionally steep and narrow, with the steps designed so that your heels hang over on the way up and your toes on the way down. This unique design is a direct result of the limited space and the need to maximize headroom in the narrow canal house. It’s a physical reminder of the building’s age and the practicalities of its construction.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and to take their time ascending and descending these historic steps. The experience of climbing them is an integral part of understanding the building's character and the challenges faced by its former inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit