The Cromhout House (Cromhouthuis) in Amsterdam is a large 17th century merchant house on the Herengracht canal. The Biblical Museum (Bijbelsmuseum) on the top floor was one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.
The Cromhouthuis closed permanently from 1 June 2020. The collection has been distributed to other museums in the Netherlands.
The Cromhout House: Commissioned in 1660 by wealthy merchant Jacob Cromhout, there are actually 4 canal houses together which were designed by Dutch architect Philips Vingboons and completed in 1662.
The main highlights of the house included a magnificent oval staircase which was made in 1717, the rear hall with Jacob de Wit ceiling painting and 2 preserved kitchens.
At the rear there was a fine landscaped garden with biblical plants, pond and sculptures.
The house featured the collections of the Cromhout family including portraits, paintings, silver, period furniture and an assortment of curiosities.
The Biblical Museum: The top floor museum contained a unique collection of Judeo-Christian artefacts. The main house was acquired by the Dutch Bible Association in the 19th century.
The museum was founded by Dutch minister Leendert Schouten (1828-1905) who’s life work was undoubtedly his construction of the Tabernacle model – which depicts the portable shrine of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt.
There were also some antiquities from Egypt including mummified remains.
The vaulted cellar in the house contained the Bible Room with a rich collection of bibles from original clay tablets (3000BC) to 17th century illustrated Dutch bibles.
Cromhouthuis / Biblical Museum Essential Info
| Opening Times | Closed permanently |
| Getting There | The Cromhout House is located on the Herengracht canal close to Spui. From Amsterdam Central it is about 15 mins walk or take trams 2 or 12 to Spui. |
Cromhouthuis, Herengracht 366-368, 1016 CH Amsterdam
