Hofje van Mevrouw Van Aerden

About the museum

The wealthy widow Maria Ponderus (1672–1764) stipulated in her will that part of her wealth be used to create a hofje (almshouse) for needy women from her own family and that of her late husband, The Hague notary Pieter van Aerden. However, when she died, the potential beneficiaries no longer lived in The Hague but around Leerdam; therefore the foundation was established there. The complex was built between 1770 and 1772 in Dutch neoclassical style on the grounds of Leerdam Castle, which had been destroyed by Spanish troops in 1574 and lay in ruins for nearly two centuries. The plot had previously belonged to Stadtholder William V.

Originally, the hofje consisted of twelve cottages with a shared kitchen and toilet building; heating was provided by peat. In the 20th century the complex fell into disrepair until a major restoration in 1974–1976 saved it from demolition, though some original cottages disappeared. For almost half a century the municipality was tenant of the complex. Today the hofje is self-supporting without subsidies and is run largely by volunteers.

Ten cottages remain rented to single women, as the will stipulates; the hofje is therefore considered a living monument. In the regent house hangs a collection of 42 paintings from the 17th century that Pieter van Aerden assembled, including portraits as well as landscapes, marine paintings and still lifes, among others by Frans Hals and Pieter Claesz. There is also Amsterdam miniature silver from the 18th century. The regent house is currently closed to visitors; accessible in season are the French courtyard, the kitchen garden by the river and the furnished Stijlhuisje.

Highlights

• Neoclassical listed monument from 1772 on the Linge riverbank
• French courtyard and kitchen garden with fruit trees, vegetables and herbs
• Stijlhuisje: a cottage furnished as it was around 1900
• Remains of Leerdam Castle destroyed in 1574 in the garden floor
• 17th-century painting collection in the regent house (currently not accessible)

Permanent exhibition

• Stijlhuisje – Wohnen um 1900 – An authentically furnished cottage shows how residents lived around 1900, with sleeping alcove, oil lamps and peat heating.

Founded

1764

Operated by

Stichting Familie Vrouwenhofje

Admission & discounts

No admission price for garden visits without a tour is listed on the website. The painting collection in the regent house is currently not accessible.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Visitor room with coffee, tea and apple juice as well as products from the own garden and selected producers; open during garden hours. Online shop with books about the hofje.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 70 guests.

Mariazaal and Lingezaal in the regent house for 60 to 70 people, also combined with the garden; for celebrations, weddings, receptions, meetings and farewell events.

Plan your visit