Gemeentemuseum Het Hannemahuis

About the museum

The house takes its name from the Hannema merchant family, who lived here for a good two centuries. Sjoerd Hannema moved in in 1743; his son Jan Hannema (1746–1825) was a genever distiller and ran his business behind the residence, whose foundations can still be seen in the museum. The oldest parts of the front house date from around 1545, the present facades from 1744 and 1825. The family ran a salt refinery, traded in tropical fruit in the early 20th century, and housed an agency of the Nederlandsche Bank in the rear building.

Leendert Jacobus Hannema (1889–1964), the last resident, founded the museum in 1957 in the company's former counting house. After his death the front house was also used as a museum; through a bequest the entire house passed to the municipality of Harlingen, which has run it ever since.

The collection reflects the history of the old port town: seascapes and ship models, silversmiths' work, longcase clocks and blue-and-white porcelain. Visitors can also discover the Baur art shop of 1814 and the genever distillery of Sybrandt Talma. The house also holds the Harlingen municipal archive; temporary exhibitions complement the permanent display.

Highlights

• Merchant's house with parts dating from around 1545 and facades from 1744 and 1825
• Underground genever distillery of Sybrandt Talma
• Harlingen longcase clocks and silverwork
• Seascapes, ship models and blue-and-white porcelain
• The Baur art shop of 1814 as a furnished room

Permanent exhibitions

• Harlinger Klokken – Longcase clocks from Harlingen as part of the permanent display on the town's craftsmanship.
• Talmas Geheimnis – die unterirdische Genever-Brennerei – Sybrandt Talma's distillery lies beneath the house and can be visited as part of the permanent display.
• Zilveren schatten – Fine silverwork by Harlingen silversmiths.

Founded

1957

Operated by

Gemeinde Harlingen

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Second Sunday of every month

Free admission with Museumkaart, ICOM, Vereniging Rembrandt, CJP, CKV, Vrienden Hannemahuis and the VIP-Kaart of the Vriendenloterij; for groups also for companions.

Accessibility

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

A wheelchair is available; mobility scooters and large electric wheelchairs are not permitted. The old part of the building has some high thresholds with access ramps, and the first floor has a steeper ramp where staff will assist. Lifts, rest points, a disabled parking space nearby, and an accessible toilet in the adjoining library.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Young visitors can enjoy various treasure hunts through the house, as well as activities and talks for children and adults.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Voorstraat in Harlingen's old town and, according to the museum, is easy to reach by public transport. Information on parking is available on the website of the municipality of Harlingen; a disabled parking space is nearby.

Amenities & dining

Books and gifts are available at Boekhandel Van der Velde right next to the museum; the catalogue of the current exhibition is available at the museum ticket desk.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit