Comenius Museum

About the museum

The museum commemorates Jan Amos Comenius (1592–1670), the Czech theologian, philosopher and educator who found refuge in the Netherlands as a refugee. It was founded in 1892 for the scholar's 300th birthday, at first in the attic of the old town hall and later in the Spanish House on Turfpoortstraat. For his 400th birthday it moved in 1992 to its present location at Kloosterstraat 33, directly next to the mausoleum in a former monastery building.

Comenius died in Amsterdam on 15 November 1670 and was buried a week later in Naarden, in the Walloon Church. His grave fell into oblivion and was only searched for again in the 19th century. A Dutch-Czechoslovak commission confirmed the remains in 1929; both countries thereupon decided to turn the Walloon Chapel into a mausoleum, which was inaugurated on 8 May 1937. Under the direction of the architect Ladislav Machoň, Czech artists created the furnishings: Jaroslav Benda the glass panels, Jaroslav Horejc the choir screen with figures, and Karel Štipl the wood carvings. Between 2007 and 2010 the glass and wood were comprehensively restored. For many Czechs and Slovaks the place is a pilgrimage destination.

The permanent exhibition "Mundus Comenii" in the former monastery hall was newly installed in 2020 and shows the life, work and historical context of Comenius. The collection also includes paintings of the De Geer family, who supported Comenius, and a research library. Every year at the end of March, Comenius Day takes place, with a wreath-laying, lectures and the presentation of the Comenius Prize.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition "Mundus Comenii" on the life and work of Comenius
• Access to the grave of Comenius in the neighbouring mausoleum
• Mausoleum with glass panels and wood carvings by Czech artists
• Free audio tour, also for visitors with visual impairments
• Paintings of the De Geer family and a research library

Permanent exhibition

• Mundus Comenii – De wereld van Comenius – The permanent exhibition, installed in 2020 in the former monastery hall, sheds light on the life and work of Comenius in the context of his time.

Founded

1892

Operated by

Stichting Comenius Museum

Admission & discounts

Free with Museumkaart and CJP/CKV. Card payment is possible. The Museumkaart is not sold here.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

Wheelchair access is via the rear entrance at the garden; the mausoleum and the permanent exhibition are on the ground floor, where there is also an accessible toilet. A wheelchair is available on request at the ticket desk. The free audio tour makes the permanent exhibition accessible to visitors with visual impairments too. Assistance dogs and guide dogs are welcome, other pets are not. In 2026 the museum received the "Good Autism Friendliness" rating from the Stichting Uit met Autisme foundation.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly

Prams and buggies can be left at the cloakroom in the entrance hall.

Getting there & parking

From the A1 take the Naarden-Vesting exit and follow the signs for Naarden-Vesting.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum shop with books by and about Comenius.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit