Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder (OLHOS; English: Our Lord in the Attic) is a 17th-century canal house, house church, and museum in the city center of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The Catholic Church was built on the top three floors of the canal house during the 1660s. It is an important example of a "schuilkerk", or "clandestine church" in which Catholics and other religious dissenters from the seventeenth century Dutch Reformed Church, unable to worship in public, held services. The church has been open as a museum since 28 April 1888, and has 85,000 visitors annually.
The canal house on the 14th century canal Oudezijds Voorburgwal, currently on number 40, was built in 1630. Between 1661 and 1663 the top three floors of the house were changed into a house church. The building was renovated in the 18th and 19th century.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 1:00 – 6:00 PM |
Zdeno Csaprda | Dec 3, 2017
You don't need to be religiously inclined to appreciate the innovation of a church in the attic. It is actually deceptively large when you get to the 2nd floor (I believe), but don't ignore the basement and the living area below the church as it offers you a snapshot in time of how people lived in those tall homes next to the canals. Take a moment to view the video of how the (dais or pedestal) is incorporated into the altar, I was surprised of how the whole thing unfolded. You also get to see how the pulley system worked for lifting good to the upper floors.
Valerie DeMitis | Feb 3, 2018
It's amazing the extent people go to worship. And even more amazing is how this church was constructed. It's mind blowing. And it's beautiful.
Catherine Sham | Jan 27, 2018
it is a small but amazing museum, very historical and the audio guide is very helpful too! great place to visit esp for those who are interested in history or religion or simply love to visit a well restored old house with a secret church inside
Marcel Wagner | Feb 1, 2018
We did not expect too much from this museum, but what a surprise ! You see a well preserved house (in fact three) and a once hidden Catholic church upstairs, and the audioguide delivers a lot of very interesting information. The light meets the conditions of the 16th century! Only the fact that they were closing forced us out.
Rohan Bhargava | Feb 14, 2018
Amazing musuem showcasing one of Amsterdam's many hidden Catholic churches. The musuem doesn't take too long to go through but is a fascinating look at an interesting aspect of the city's history that is often overlooked.
Ronald Handley | Mar 8, 2018
Hidden treasure in Amsterdam right by the Red Light District. My wife and I have been to Amsterdam several times and never found this gem until now. Please take this tour. It is a voice guided tour in multiple languages, and offers amazing little-known facts about 1600's Amsterdam churches. Very clean, staff is very professional and kind. They still hold Catholic Mass here the 1st Sunday of every month! Don't miss it!
Kasey Reeves | Apr 6, 2018
Super interesting, well-kept museum. I'm so happy I stopped here during my short trip to Amsterdam. The audio tour was thorough, interesting, and very easy to follow. I definitely recommend.
Mike Jensen | Mar 30, 2018
Cannot recommend highly enough. Go here, take your time. Be prepared for stairs, though. Spectacular site and story!
David Lageveen | Mar 21, 2018
Amazing church. I've never seen anything like this. It's small but nonetheless impressive.
Maria Klepikova | May 2, 2018
Hidden treasure in the heart of Amsterdam. Who knew they could hide the very much functional church in the plain sight? The interior is amazing. There is a special atmosphere inside. Take a peek from the windows for a nice view on the canal. Definitely worth a visit.
Leonardo Marinho | May 3, 2018
Great museum. A piece of Amsterdam history in a very practical and interesting way. Loved the details and the whole house is incredible. Don't miss it while you are in Amsterdam.
Victor Forja | Apr 24, 2018
A hidden gem in the centre of Amsterdam. A truly beautiful church in an attic of a house. Well worth the admission fee.
Martin Simmons | Jun 3, 2018
Our Lord in the Attic or, as my wife kept calling it, the Church in the Loft! A well preserved home, showing how people lived through the centuries. However, the main reason for visiting is the chapel hidden in the upper floors. Even as an atheist, the attention to detail and care taken over this space is remarkable. MLS
Clark Kelly | Jun 19, 2018
Amazing little museum. Gives you an understanding of the house church concept the existed in Amsterdam for 200 years. It is in the red light district so you can catch those sites too... if you want. If not... the path from the train station to the museum is PG rated
Alexander Key | Jun 25, 2018
A must see. I take everyone who matters. The renovation is sympathetic and makes this place world class. Really relaxed and quiet cafe.
Annalisa Foglia | Jul 25, 2018
Very interesting place. This is an hidden church ⛪ which is accessible only from the building next to it. I think they still hold celebration once a month or on some special occasion. The audio guide works very well. A place not just for religious interest but also of historical significance.
Noemi G. | Jul 14, 2018
We have spent around 3,5 hours insids this place, and it is indeed one of the most original places I have seen in my whole life. It is like going back through several years, at the Golden age of Amsterdam. A very old Dutch house, complete with bedrooms and kitchen, containing a Catholic church inside it, used to follow the religion after the arrival of the protestant religion. Rise the stairs till the top, to also take a wonderful view of the city!
Christo Phillm | Aug 2, 2018
Very interesting museum about the old Catholic house churches of Amsterdam. The museum consists of several apartments/floors all decorated with original artefacts found at the site. The audio guide is available in several languages including English and German. Heart of the museum is the big church in the attic. Very fascinating place.
rebecca wells | Aug 7, 2018
A must-see for many reasons. Comfortable beautiful entry/gift shop/short film prepares even the most weary traveler for the many stairs needed to see the downstairs living quarters on the way to the church. Beautiful restoration of living quarters, church, and pipe organ! Albert's help & information was priceless.
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