Where Bible, art and culture meet in a monument full of history. A fascinating expedition through the world of one the oldest and most-read books.
Archaeological discoveries, artefacts from ancient Egypt, centuries-old models of the temple of Solomon and Herod, religious objects from the Judeo-Christian tradition and even aromas bring Bible stories to life for visitors to the Biblical Museum. It houses a famous 19th-century model of the Tabernacle: a wonderful reconstruction of the sacred shrine housing the Ark of the Covenant, which the Israelites carried with them during their exile in the desert under the leadership of Moses. Displays centred on a model of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem explain the significance of this sacred place in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Clay tablets, fragments of papyrus and archaeological remains tell the fascinating story of how the Bible came into existence, and the influence it has had on Dutch society through the ages.
A unique museum in a historic setting: The Cromhout House
The Biblical Museum is housed in two historic buildings on the Herengracht canal in Amsterdam, the Cromhout House. The renowned architect Philips Vingboons built the houses for Amsterdam merchant Jacob Cromhout in 1662. This remarkable and atmospheric setting provides a home for the unique collection of one of the oldest museums in the Netherlands.
In the beautiful canal-side house you will be able to get acquainted with the Cromhout family. For almost two centuries, this family lived in four majestic houses on the stylish Herengracht canal. To this day, their houses are just as impressive and splendid as they were in the Golden Age.
Wandering through the different rooms you will hear the story of seven generations of the Cromhout family: about their influence on the city and on Amsterdam’s artistic and cultural life, about their great wealth, their faith and the many international contacts they maintained. This family history, full of ups and downs and unexpected turns, is told in a spectacular setting. The stylists’ collective The Wunderkammer was responsible for the contemporary and flamboyant design and furnishing of the rooms. For this, they were able to draw on the rich collection of the Amsterdam Museum. Unique works of art, furniture, silver and paintings form an amazing visual whole and bring the illustrious history of the Cromhout family to life.
