Museum Het Zwanenbroedershuis

About the museum

The museum belongs to the Illustre Lieve Vrouwe Broederschap, a Marian brotherhood that formed around the Sint-Jan in the late Middle Ages and was officially recognized in 1318 with the consent of the Bishop of Liège. Its members, the "Swan Brothers", met for shared meals and practiced solidarity and care for the poor; they included the painter Hieronymus Bosch.

Since 1483, the brotherhood has had its own house on the Hinthamerstraat, diagonally opposite the Sint-Janskathedraal. In 1846 and 1847, the medieval building was replaced by the present Neo-Gothic building to plans by J.H. Laffertée, regarded as an early example of Neo-Gothic architecture in the Netherlands. As the brotherhood still owns part of its centuries-old collection, the house has also been used as a museum since 2000 and remains a meeting place for its members.

Among the most important objects are the Bosch choirbooks from the period 1450 to 1600, regarded as the largest collection of Renaissance music in the Netherlands, as well as carved cases by Adriaen van Wesel that belonged to the brotherhood's Marian altar in the Sint-Jan. There are also 18 pewter drinking jugs bearing the coats of arms of former members, a goblet designed by Pierre Cuypers, a Delft service and paintings. In 2026, the museum was renovated during the summer months to renew its presentation.

Highlights

• Bosch choirbooks from 1450 to 1600, the largest collection of Dutch Renaissance music
• Carved cases by Adriaen van Wesel from the brotherhood's Marian altar
• 18 pewter jugs of former members, including that of William of Orange
• Neo-Gothic house of 1846/47 opposite the Sint-Janskathedraal
• Guided tour of the house, with a copy of a choirbook to leaf through

Permanent exhibition

• Sammlung der Illustre Lieve Vrouwe Broederschap – Choirbooks, carved cases by Adriaen van Wesel, pewter jugs, silver, a Delft service and paintings owned by the brotherhood.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Illustre Lieve Vrouwe Broederschap

Admission & discounts

Price includes reservation fee. Tickets only in advance through Kring Vrienden van 's-Hertogenbosch (dagjedenbosch.com). The Museumkaart is not valid here.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

The house has an elevator and is wheelchair accessible.

Kids & families

Children aged 4 to 12 pay a reduced price.

Getting there & parking

The house is at Hinthamerstraat 94, diagonally opposite the Sint-Janskathedraal; the meeting point is the front door, please ring the bell.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 150 guests.

Large hall for receptions (up to about 150 people) and dinners (up to about 90), Proostenzaal for meetings or meals for up to 20 people; reception room with access to the terrace and garden. Inquiries to the house manager.

Plan your visit