Discover a former “Catholic Church” built over 3 floors of a 17th-century canal house in the heart of Amsterdam, and learn about the clandestine churches of the city center. Narrow corridors and stairs lead to historically decorated living quarters, kitchens and bedstead, ending in what is literally the highlight of the museum: a complete church in the attic.
One of the oldest and most remarkable museums in Amsterdam, Our Lord in the Attic (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder) opened on 24 April 1888 behind the characteristic façade of a largely original 17th-century home on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal.
Journey back in time as you wander through the corridors, kitchens and narrow staircases to the museum’s incredible secret - a church hidden in the attic. The house was built in 1663, when it was forbidden to celebrate mass in public. As a result, nothing on the outside could suggest there was a Catholic house of worship inside!
It fell into disuse when the Church of St Nicholas opened on Prins Hendrikkade, and a group of private collectors clubbed together to buy the building and preserve its Catholic heritage.