
Highlights
Standard dated entrance ticket for one adult, valid for a self-guided visit through the historic canal house, narrow corridors and the full attic church, plus the newer exhibition wing.
About this experience
Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder) is a 17th-century canal house in Amsterdam's old centre with a hidden Catholic church built into the top three floors — a rare surviving "schuilkerk" (clandestine church) where Catholics once worshipped in secret, now preserved as one of the city's oldest museums.
What's included
- Standard dated entrance ticket for one adult, valid for a self-guided visit through the historic canal house, narrow corridors and the full attic church, plus the newer exhibition wing.
- Access to the restored 17th-century living rooms, kitchen, staircases and confessionals in the old house, and to the three-storey attic church with altar, galleries and organ.
- Introductory film and exhibits in the modern wing that explain the history of religious tolerance, clandestine churches and Golden Age Amsterdam before you enter the old house.
- Included audio guide (usually in multiple languages) or app-based commentary covering key rooms, religious objects, paintings and the story of the hidden church.
- Use of on-site facilities such as toilets, cloakroom hooks/lockers where available, small café area in the modern building and museum shop at the end of the route.
- NOT included: public transport to and from the museum, external walking tours of the Red Light District, separate group tours, or any food, drink and souvenirs you buy.
Who it's for
- Ideal if you want something smaller and more atmospheric than a big state museum — this is all about one house, one church and one powerful story of hidden worship.
- Great for visitors interested in religious history, the Dutch Golden Age, architecture and questions of tolerance/intolerance rather than just art collections.
- Works best for adults and older teens; younger children can visit but will mainly enjoy the house and steep staircases rather than the detailed historical context.
- Important: the Old House has many steep, narrow stairs and low beams. Visitors must be able to climb and descend multiple staircases independently; the historic house and attic church are not fully accessible for wheelchair users or anyone who cannot handle stairs.
What you'll do
- Arrive on Oudezijds Voorburgwal in the old city centre, a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal, Nieuwmarkt or Dam Square, and check in at the modern entrance building at numbers 38—40.
- Start in the new wing with an introductory film and displays, then follow signs into the original canal house, winding up through furnished historic rooms, kitchens and chaplain's quarters.
- Climb a series of increasingly steep and narrow staircases until you emerge into the three-storey hidden church that spans the attics of three adjoining houses, with pews, galleries, altar and organ.
- Use the audio guide or information panels to understand how clandestine churches worked, how worshippers came and went, and how this space survived to become a museum.
- Descend back down through more rooms and small exhibitions, passing through the museum shop and café area before exiting again to the canal and surrounding streets.
Before you go
- Tickets / price (starts from): current official pricing puts adult tickets (18+ years) at 16.95 EUR, children 5—17 at 7.50 EUR, and children up to 4 years free. Holders of passes like Museumkaart or I Amsterdam City Card can reserve a 0 EUR time slot and enter free on presentation of their card. Treat 16.95 EUR as a realistic starting price for one adult.
- Booking & time slots: online booking with a chosen date and start time is strongly recommended, especially in high season, though limited tickets are also sold on site. Your ticket is valid for one visit within the booked slot.
- Opening hours: the museum usually opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with last admission before closing. It is closed on certain public holidays such as King's Day (27 April) and Christmas Day (25 December); always check current hours for your specific date.
- Mobility & safety: you visit at your own risk and must be comfortable with steep, narrow staircases, low ceilings and uneven floors in the historic house. Large bags, trolleys and strollers generally cannot go through the old house and may need to remain in the entrance area.
- Behaviour & photography: this is still a consecrated church space for some visitors. Quiet behaviour is expected; guided groups should keep voices low. Flash photography, tripods and large filming setups are restricted — follow staff instructions and posted rules.
Good to know
- Location: Our Lord in the Attic is on Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38—40 in the medieval core of Amsterdam, on the edge of the Red Light District and a few minutes' walk from Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt and Amsterdam Centraal station.
- Getting there: walk from Centraal Station (around 10 minutes) or take trams/metro to Dam Square, Nieuwmarkt or Rokin and continue on foot through the old streets to the canal.
- Time needed: most visitors spend about 1—1.5 hours inside, more if they listen to the full audio tour, linger in the church or read in-depth about the house's history.
- Accessibility options: because the historic house and church are not wheelchair accessible, the museum offers alternative formats (such as special guided experiences or virtual CoVisit sessions) for visitors with limited mobility — these must usually be arranged in advance.
- Neighbourhood feel: the museum is a calm historic space located in a lively nightlife area; expect a sharp contrast between the peaceful church interior and the busy streets outside.
Why this is worth it
Budget around 16.95 EUR per adult and set aside 1—1.5 hours for Our Lord in the Attic — a 17th-century canal house in central Amsterdam where you climb steep stairs through historic rooms into a fully preserved hidden Catholic attic church, one of the city's most memorable small museums.