Museum De Lakenhal, Leiden

Until 1874, when this building became a city museum, it was a factory and guildhall that produced cloth and was an important meeting facilty. In 1640 it was erected as the guildhall for cloth merchants. The museum has various rooms dedicated to this former booming business. It has an interesting mix of contempory exhibitions on human growth, and more specifically, how consumerist growth has impacted society and the environment. Artworks range from the 16th to the 21st century. There is Middle-age religious art and grand trytichs that are bright, colourful and with unique depictions of hell and devils. The trytichs are displayed so that the viewer can walk around the entire piece. There are local historical paintings, including about the plague outbreak in the city in the 16th century as well as art made by Theo Doesburg from the early 20th century and more. There are even a couple of lesser known Rembrandt paintings. The building has been recently renovated, but has retained some interesting architectural designs like painted glass in a church and an impressive staircase, as well as entire rooms that appear to be original to the museum's 17th century origins. Some parts of the museum feel like being in a grand house or Palace, and reminded me of Mauritshuis museum in the Hague. What I like about this museum is that it tingles and stimulates the mind in various ways and the paintings in the collection are quite diverse and make you want to explore every detail. Highly recommended.

This is a magnificent museum! The building is beautiful and the room with the Rembrandts, the van Goyens and - for me the discovery of the day - the great pictures of Jan Lievens is alone worth traveling to this beautiful city! Good informations in English too which you do not always find in Dutch museums. There is a Café in the courtyard as well. And I had most rooms to myself which I enjoyed though this museum deserves much more visitors.