Museum In ’t Houten Huis
Regional museum in the former orphanage and almshouse of De Rijp on herring fishing, whaling, timber construction and the history of the Schermer island.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum stands on the Tuingracht in De Rijp and is housed in a former orphanage and almshouse. Around 1700 there was already an "Aalmoeseniershuys" on this site for children, needy widows and elderly people; in 1733 the orphans from the dissolved orphanage in the Rietbuurt moved there. Only in 1965 did the almshouse lose its purpose through new social legislation, and it then served, among other things, as a baby clinic. From 1938 to 1960 the Oudheidkundig Genootschap De Rijp, the predecessor of today's museum, used the upper floor for its historical collection.
The Rijksmonument, a house built largely of wood with an overhanging storage floor, was restored by 2003 and extended with a new building containing a climate-controlled depot, space for changing exhibitions and workrooms. The design is by the architect Cornelis de Jong; the original timber construction is visible in several places.
The permanent exhibition tells the history of De Rijp and the Schermer island: on the ground floor it is about herring fishing, whaling and seafaring, with sea charts, ship models, whale bones and a Greenlandic kayak as the showpiece. In the extension, the focus is on timber construction and firefighting, including the painting of the great fire of 1654; in the front house it is the Mennonites, hemp processing and the hydraulic engineer Jan Adriaansz Leeghwater, who was born in De Rijp. Some of the objects come from the estate of the town's last great shipowner, Jan Boon Jr.
Highlights
- Greenlandic kayak of the De Rijp whalers
- Painting "The Great Fire of De Rijp 1654"
- Herring fishing and whaling
- Timber construction with ship model and hemp processing
- Study of the hydraulic engineer Leeghwater
- Children's rally with the orphan girl Maartje
Permanent exhibitions
- Geschichte von De Rijp und der Schermer-Insel – Herring fishing, whaling and seafaring on the ground floor, timber construction and fire brigade in the extension, and Mennonites, hemp processing and Leeghwater in the front house.
- Die Historie des Schermereilands – Two short films in the audiovisual room show the development of the Schermer island and the fight against the water.
- Operated by
- Stichting Museum In ’t Houten Huis
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €7 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €2free up to age 3 · Children from 4 years €2; under 4 years free. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €6 per personAdult groups of 10 or more people €6 per person; guided tour €20 per group plus admission. |
| Alkmaar-pas, adults | €5.25 |
| Alkmaar-pas, children 4 to 16 years | €1.50 |
Free with Museumkaart (adults and young people), ICOM card, Rembrandtkaart and for Friends of the museum.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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 museum is wheelchair accessible; a wheelchair and a rollator are available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children can explore the museum with photo and puzzle rallies, from age 7 with a "Koffer voller Fragen" (suitcase full of questions, at no extra charge), or explore the former orphanage together with the orphan girl Maartje. In addition, children up to 12 can become museum inspectors with Museumkids.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
De Rijp can be reached by public transport (according to the museum, no lines specified).
By car
Parking available
The museum recommends parking at the Wollandje or at the Meelzak.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided tours for groups are available for €20 per group plus admission. Interactive teaching programmes for all primary school years (e.g. "Kijk! Een walvis", "De Gouden eeuw") on request by e-mail. |
