KathedraalMuseum

About the museum

The Sint Bavo Cathedral in Haarlem was built between 1895 and 1930 to designs by Joseph Cuypers, son of the famous architect Pierre Cuypers. The choir was built first, followed by the transept and nave, and finally the towers. The design evolved from a neo-Gothic idea into a domed church with influences from Moorish-Spanish and Indian architecture; in 1948 Pope Pius XII elevated the church to a basilica.

From 2004 to 2019 the building was comprehensively restored, for which it received a European heritage award. Since 2019 the church has operated under the name KoepelKathedraal Haarlem and, alongside its church mission, sees itself as a cultural and visitor destination.

The Kathedraalmuseum is located in the crypt beneath the high choir, in a large, atmospherically designed exhibition space. It shows paintings, sculptures, banners and liturgical silver, including pieces from the time of Louis Napoléon, as well as restoration materials. A presentation "Het verhaal van de kathedraal" tells the history and construction of the cathedral in a bilingual format (Dutch/English).

Highlights

• Museum in the crypt beneath the high choir
• Paintings, sculptures, banners and liturgical silver
• Presentation "Het verhaal van de kathedraal"
• Roof route "De Wezens van de Kathedraal" at approx. 20 m height
• Tower climb "Klim door de Tijd" (approx. 60 m high)
• Domed church by Joseph Cuypers (1895–1930)

Permanent exhibitions

• Het verhaal van de kathedraal – Bilingual presentation with objects on the history and construction of the cathedral, in the museum in the crypt.
• De Wezens van de Kathedraal – Route past sculptures of fantastic creatures on the roof and towers at approx. 20 meters' height, supplemented by replicas in the crypt.

Operated by

Stichting Kathedrale Basiliek Sint Bavo

Admission & discounts

The basic ticket covers the cathedral, museum, Wezens route and audio tour. Online tickets incur a €1.50 transaction fee; at the box office, payment is by PIN or credit card only.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

The roof route "De Wezens van de Kathedraal" with bizarre fabulous creatures has its own discovery rally for children; children under 4 enter free.

Getting there & parking

Navigation address: Leidsevaart 146, 2014 HE Haarlem; entrance at Bisschop Bottemanneplein.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with coffee, tea and refreshments; shop with books, postcards, candles and religious articles.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit