Frans Hals Museum Haarlem
Explore Dutch Golden Age masterpieces by Frans Hals and contemporaries in a historic 17th-century almshouse.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Frans Hals Museum Haarlem
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Dutch Golden Age masterpieces by Frans Hals and contemporaries in a historic 17th-century almshouse.
"A good museum overall, well-organized with many impressive paintings and a charming historic building. "
🎯 Audio Guide is a Must
Highly recommended for insights into Hals' life and the paintings. Available in English.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Option
Your ticket may include entry to another museum nearby; check if you have time for both!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Frans Hals Masterpieces
Main exhibition halls
Experience the expressive portraits of Frans Hals, the Dutch Golden Age master. His raw style captures unvarnished character.
The Doll's House
Special exhibition area
A surprisingly detailed and charming miniature world, this doll's house is a unique highlight for all ages.
Historic Almshouse Building
Museum interior and courtyard
Explore the charming, historic building itself, a former almshouse with a peaceful inner garden.
Musiing Children Portraits
Special exhibition area
Recently acquired, these vibrant portraits of children making music are a delightful addition.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Audio Guide is a Must
Highly recommended for insights into Hals' life and the paintings. Available in English.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Option
Your ticket may include entry to another museum nearby; check if you have time for both!
🌳 Relax in the Garden
Take a break in the peaceful inner garden. Press the button to open the door.
🎒 Bag Storage Available
Free lockers are provided, but they are small, so pack light.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Audio Guide is a Must
Highly recommended for insights into Hals' life and the paintings. Available in English.
🎟️ Combo Ticket Option
Your ticket may include entry to another museum nearby; check if you have time for both!
🌳 Relax in the Garden
Take a break in the peaceful inner garden. Press the button to open the door.
🎒 Bag Storage Available
Free lockers are provided, but they are small, so pack light.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Capture the art and the historic building. Some areas might have restrictions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Frans Hals Museum to be a worthwhile and interesting experience, particularly for its collection of Dutch Golden Age art and its charming historic building. While some note that the number of Frans Hals originals might be less than expected, the quality of the art, the engaging audio guide, and unique exhibits like the doll's house are frequently praised. The peaceful inner garden offers a welcome respite.
"There is a very interesting museum worth visiting for any age visitors.
You can take the audio guide and listen to the building’s story in addition to the Hals lifetime facts and of course histories of the paintings.
For the young visitors (adults could be also surprised) it can be interesting to read Dutch proverbs and their meanings, to se the Doll’s house and some funny “delft’s like” dishes.
Inner garden is the best place to have a quick rest after the exposition (NB: the door to the garden looks like be automatic but you have to press the button on your left)."
Yuliya Dankova
"A good museum overall, but its main drawback is that there aren’t that many works by Frans Hals. Most of them are placed near the end of the exhibition, by which point you’re likely already a bit overwhelmed, and unfortunately, they’re not his most interesting pieces either. That said, the museum is well-organized and features many impressive paintings."
Olga Demidova
"Frans Hal Museum located in Haarlem, walk around 20 mins from Haarlem train station.
Entry fee is 17.50 euro and it's free for Museumkaart holder. Included audio audio tour.
This ticket including entry fee to another one at the market (600 meters away) , have to use in same day purchase but we didn't have enough time for both of them.
No need to book in advance.
Free locker to use, not too big one so better for not too big bag or small belongings.
It's a small art museum , mostly from Frans Hal and those time that's relatively involved. Dutch golden age portraits.
In the big hall has small corner that you can dress up to old time costume, fun to do.
My favorite part is the doll house. It's so tiny but detailed and nicely present. Fun to look at those little miniature.
Not too big museum, only one floor. Well organized route to walk, easy to follow and not miss anything.
Museum building itself also has interesting history.
In the middle of the museum is inner garden. Nice and relaxing to sit there.
Also has museum gift shop to visit.
Museum cafe is open from outside, welcome for non museum visitors."
onsiri netisak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
It's a straightforward and pleasant 20-minute walk from Haarlem train station to the Frans Hals Museum. Follow signs for the city center and the museum.
Yes, Haarlem is just 20 km from Amsterdam, making the Frans Hals Museum an excellent and popular day trip destination.
Trains are frequent and efficient from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam. Driving is also an option, but parking in Haarlem can be challenging.
The museum is housed in a historic building, but efforts have been made to ensure accessibility. It's advisable to check with the museum directly for specific needs.
There are several parking garages in Haarlem's city center, but they can be expensive. Walking from the train station or using public transport is often more convenient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is typically around €17.50, but prices can vary. Museumkaart holders usually get free entry.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to avoid queues.
Sometimes, a ticket may include entry to another nearby museum or exhibition on the same day. It's worth checking the details when purchasing your ticket.
Opening hours can vary, but the museum is generally open from around 11 AM to 5 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups. The Museumkaart offers free admission for Dutch residents and some international visitors.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The museum primarily focuses on Dutch Golden Age art, with a significant collection of portraits by Frans Hals and other masters of that era.
While the museum has works by other artists, it does house a collection of original paintings by Frans Hals, though some reviews suggest they are towards the end of the exhibition.
It's a highly detailed and intricate miniature house, offering a fascinating glimpse into historical domestic life and a unique point of interest.
Yes, an audio guide is available and highly recommended. It provides excellent context on the building's history, Frans Hals' life, and the artworks.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Always check for specific signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum has a cafe that is accessible from outside, meaning you don't need a museum ticket to visit it.
Haarlem's city center, where the museum is located, is filled with charming cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition areas. The cafe is the designated area for refreshments.
Haarlem offers a range of dining options, from traditional Dutch snacks and meals to international cuisine. You'll find plenty of cozy cafes and bistros.
Dining prices in Haarlem are comparable to other Dutch cities. You can find options for various budgets, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted. However, always look for specific signs indicating restrictions.
The doll's house, the historic building's architecture, and the inner garden are popular photo spots. Of course, the paintings themselves are also great subjects.
While personal use is usually fine, commercial photography or extensive filming might require special permission. Check with the museum if you plan extensive content creation.
The museum's lighting is designed for viewing art. Natural light from the garden can be lovely, but the artificial lighting is generally good throughout.
Yes, the exterior of the museum, located in a charming alley, is picturesque and can be photographed freely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to ensure children have space to move and explore without feeling overwhelmed. The museum's layout is generally easy to navigate, and the inner garden provides a nice spot for a short break.
🏛️ Art Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to Hals's signature expressive brushwork and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Take advantage of the detailed audio guide to gain deeper insights into the historical context, artistic techniques, and individual stories behind the paintings.
🚶 Day-Trippers from Amsterdam
Combine your visit with exploring Haarlem's charming canals, historic Grote Kerk, and Teylers Museum for a full day of discovery. +1Plan your visit to the museum for the morning or early afternoon to allow ample time for exploring Haarlem's other attractions. Consider purchasing a combined ticket if available, which might offer entry to another museum in Haarlem.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Frans Hals
While the Frans Hals Museum is dedicated to his legacy, it's worth noting that some visitors feel the collection of his works is not as extensive as they might expect, with many pieces placed towards the end of the exhibition. Nevertheless, the pieces present offer a strong representation of his mastery.
His influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring later generations of artists. The museum's collection, housed in a historic building, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the art and atmosphere of 17th-century Haarlem.
A Day Trip to Haarlem
The Frans Hals Museum is a central point of interest, but Haarlem offers much more. Visitors can explore the impressive Grote Kerk (St. Bavo's Church) with its stunning Gothic architecture, or delve into the scientific and artistic wonders at Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands.
+1 A walk through the historic city center reveals beautiful gabled houses, quaint streets, and numerous cozy cafes and boutiques. For those seeking panoramic views, climbing the Haarlem Windmill (De Adriaan) is a must. The city also has a poignant history, as seen in places like the Corrie ten Boom House, offering a deeper understanding of its past. Haarlem truly provides a rich and varied experience for any traveler.
The Historic Building and Its Stories
Exploring the museum, you'll find that the building's own story is as captivating as the paintings it holds. The audio guide often includes fascinating facts about the almshouse's history and its connection to the community, including Frans Hals himself, who spent his final years in poverty and may have been supported by the institution.
This blend of art and history makes the Frans Hals Museum a truly immersive experience. It's a place where you can appreciate masterpieces while also connecting with the tangible past of Haarlem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit