Populair ships from Hoorn

Sights in Hoorn

Westfries Museum

Westfries Museum Roode Steen is temporary closed

The Westfries Museum on the Roode Steen is closed for an extended period for extensive renovation and refurbishment. However, the history of Hoorn and West Friesland will continue to be told in the city and online. This will happen in the temporary museum location Statenpoort, but also with online exhibitions.

Temporary museum location Statenpoort

The Statenpoort on Nieuwstraat in Hoorn is the temporary location of the Westfries Museum. Here, experience the multimedia show 'Discover the history of Hoorn' and then walk with the accompanying podwalk or walking guide through the monumental wealth of the city and immerse yourself in Hoorn's turbulent history.
 
The Statenpoort is largely wheelchair accessible. They will gladly help you over the threshold on the street side (12 cm).

Online exhibitions

Or discover the history of Hoorn and West Friesland online:

  • "Pala - Nutmeg Tales of Banda" tells the story of the Indonesian Banda Islands. And the trauma of 1621, when the VOC massacred the population to gain the monopoly on nutmeg. 
  • From 11 October 2023, "The Battle of the Zuiderzee" can be seen, a great naval battle from 1573 that represents a key moment in Hoorn's history.

For up-to-date information on exhibitions, address and opening hours, visit the West Frisian Museum website.

About the West Frisian Museum on the Roode Steen

The West Frisian Museum is located in one of Hoorn's most beautiful characteristic buildings. As soon as you walk through the entrance, you will be taken back to the Golden Age. You can choose to go first through Batavia of 1627 with virtual reality glasses. Or follow the route along more than 27 stylish furnished rooms with paintings, porcelain, glass and silverware. Each room has there own atmosphere. If you don't have much time, you can also choose the route of the masterpieces.

History of the Westfries Museum

The striking classicist building was built in 1632. The style of the facade can be traced back to the Dutch Renaissance. In January 1880 the Westfries Museum was built on the back of the building. Another 73 years later, in 1953, a cellar from the 15th century was founded under the building, which is now used for archaeological objects from the surrounding area. 

About the Westfries Museum 

In the West Frisian Museum, which has been in existence for more than 100 years now, a large number of objects are show in 27 rooms. These objects are linked to the history of the town of Hoorn, the craft, the shooting guild, the VOC, trade and archaeology. Here you will find paintings of archers, chimney paintings and interiors which remind us of their former owners.