The building was constructed as the seat of government for the Westfries region before transitioning into a museum in 1880.
The museum collection includes a rare series of 17th-century 'schuttersstukken' (civic guard portraits).
In 2005, the museum gained international notoriety due to the theft of 24 paintings, many of which were recovered in Ukraine a decade later.
The museum utilizes digital 'augmented reality' exhibits to visualize lost or stolen objects from its collection.
The building's cellar contains original stonework dating back to the late Renaissance period.
It manages a significant collection of VOC-related objects, including ceramics and navigational instruments.
The Westfriesmuseum is housed in a 1632 monument that originally served as the Statenlogement for the Gecommitteerde Raden of West-Friesland and Noorderkwartier. The museum specializes in the Golden Age, focusing on the history of Hoorn and the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Its collection encompasses 16th to 19th-century artifacts, including extensive maritime charts, paintings, and silverware. The museum underwent a comprehensive multi-year renovation and modernization process culminating in a 2025 reopening. It features an immersive 'Time Machine' experience that uses virtual reality to transport visitors back to the 17th century. The interior retains original architectural details from the seventeenth century, such as stained glass and period-appropriate decor. It also functions as a center for historical research regarding the Dutch colonial past. The facility is located directly on the central square of Hoorn.
The central courtyard and the 17th-century ornate facade facing the Roode Steen square.
Download the museum's app before arrival to enhance the interactive exhibits.
Spend time observing the architectural details of the exterior facade before entering.
Check the museum's rotating special exhibition schedule online as it changes quarterly.
Do not rush through the VR 'Time Machine' section, as it provides the necessary context for the physical artifacts displayed later.
Closed on Mondays.
