At Herengracht 170, Museumhuis Bartolotti lets you explore a restored 17th-century merchant’s house on one of Amsterdam’s canals. Five rooms and the garden are open to visitors, with interiors that show the home’s later 18th-century changes as well as its earlier character. Look for the painted ceiling, mahogany panelling and damask wallpaper in the ballroom. A free audio guide is available in English and Dutch, and the visit includes tea or coffee in the basement. You can also interact with some of the furnishings and household features.
A merchant’s house on Herengracht
Museumhuis Bartolotti is at Herengracht 170, beside one of Amsterdam’s canals. The red-brick house was built as a 17th-century merchant’s residence, and its rooms give a sense of the scale and decoration of a wealthy home. The interior has been preserved and restored to reflect its 17th- and 18th-century history.
The house changed over time. A later owner added an extension in 1755, and the interiors include a blend of Renaissance and Dutch influences alongside Rococo decoration. The rooms make those changes tangible: look closely at the finishes and furnishings as you move through the house, rather than treating it as a single-period interior.
The ballroom and accessible rooms
The ballroom is a highlight. Its painted ceiling sits above rich mahogany panelling and damask wallpaper, bringing together several of the house’s most striking decorative details. The room offers a closer look at the ornate style associated with the home’s later history.
Five rooms and the garden are open on the visit. Much of the original house is used by a Dutch heritage association as offices and for events, so the tour does not cover every room. The rooms that are open still give a clear impression of the house’s former grandeur and its changing use.
A visit you can take at your own pace
You can walk through the rooms independently with a free audio guide in English or Dutch. Staff can also explain details about the house and its former owners. In some rooms, visitors are invited to handle furnishings or open drawers; household settings, including the kitchen table, help bring daily life into view. A staff member may show how the water fountain works.
Tea or coffee is served in the basement, where you can take a break before continuing upstairs. The house is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and its opening days differ across the rest of the week. Reserve a visit time in advance and check the schedule before setting out.
FAQ
Where is Museumhuis Bartolotti?
It is at Herengracht 170 in Amsterdam.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. A free audio guide is available in English and Dutch.
How many rooms can you visit?
Five rooms and the garden are open to visitors. Much of the original house is used for offices and events.
Should I book ahead?
Booking a ticket and visit time in advance is recommended.
