The shop was originally known as 'De Koophandel' and opened in the village of Oostzaan.
Albert Heijn purchased the business from his father, Jan Heijn, for 1,100 guilders.
The store retains the original facade and interior cabinetry from the 1880s.
The site functioned as the company's headquarters and primary retail outlet until the chain expanded significantly in the 20th century.
The Zaanse Schans, where the shop is located, contains a collection of historic industrial buildings relocated to preserve Zaan region heritage.
The Museumwinkel Albert Heijn is the original 1887 grocery store that launched the Netherlands' largest supermarket chain. Located within the Zaanse Schans open-air museum, it preserves the authentic interior and atmosphere of a late 19th-century colonial goods shop. Visitors can view the shop as it appeared when Albert Heijn took over the business from his father. The museum displays original product packaging, wooden counters, and vintage shop scales used during the company's early years. It serves as a historical archive documenting the evolution of Dutch retail culture. The building was moved to its current location in the 1960s to be part of the Zaanse Schans preservation project.
The exterior signage and the front window display featuring vintage product tins.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak crowds of the surrounding open-air museum.
Combine this visit with a walk through the nearby historical Zaanse Schans windmills to see the context of the region's industrial history.
Do not mistake this for a functional modern grocery store where you can complete your weekly shopping.
Open daily throughout the year, though operating hours may be reduced during the winter season.
