Frans Hals Museum

The Frans Hals museum

Since the early 20th century, most of the considerable art collection of the City of Haarlem has been housed at this historical art museum, located in a quiet street a few minutes walk south of the main square.

Now an internationally renowned museum of Dutch Golden Age art, the Frans Hals was built on the site of a former old men's home, which the town council took over to accomodate its ever-growing artwork collection. The building dates from the 17th century and this is reflected in its central courtyard design. Inside, there are various exhibition rooms as well as a cafe and a souvenir shop for visitors.

The collection, originally housed in the town hall from the 16th century onwards, includes 16th and 17th century Golden Age artwork by Ruisdael, Verspronck and Saenredam as well as Frans Hals himself, best known for his 'Laughing Cavalier'. Further artwork loans and donations led the town to annexe the Vleeshal (meat market building) on the main square in the early 1960's. Later still, the adjacent Verweyhal was added, and together they form 'De Hallen' gallery, which concentrates on modern art.