Teylers Museum in Haarlem: the oldest museum in the Netherlands, hours and tickets

Updated on October 8, 2026

The Teylers Museum, Spaarne 16 in Haarlem (2011 CH), is the oldest museum in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1778 thanks to the bequest of the wealthy merchant and banker Pieter Teyler van der Hulst, who wanted to promote the sciences and the arts. Fossils, minerals, scientific instruments, drawings by Michelangelo, Raphael and Rembrandt, 19th-century paintings: everything has stayed in its original rooms, which makes it a rare museum and cabinet of curiosities in Europe. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm; adult admission is €18.50. Haarlem is about 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, which makes it one of the easiest half-day trips from the capital, to combine with a stroll through the old centre and the Grote Markt.

Highlights

The Ovale Zaal (Oval Room)

Built between 1779 and 1784, it is the oldest museum room in the Netherlands still in use. A balcony gallery runs above wooden display cases holding fossils, minerals and physics instruments, with light falling from a skylight lantern. It is the main reason to visit.

The façade on the Spaarne

The neoclassical building faces the river, a short walk from the Grote Kerk (St Bavo's church). In the 19th century the museum added further rooms, including a painting gallery.

Drawings and science

The print room holds sheets by Michelangelo, Raphael and Rembrandt, shown in rotation and depending on the exhibitions. The museum also houses Van Marum's huge electrostatic machine, built in the late 18th century. Temporary exhibitions, sometimes with a surcharge, are added to the permanent collection: check them before booking.

Break

The museum has a café overlooking the garden and a shop; the old town of Haarlem has plenty of cafés around the Grote Markt, ten minutes away on foot.

Practical info

Tips

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours. Entry is free with the Museumkaart. Prices: child aged 6 to 17 €2.50, young adult aged 18 to 24 with a CJP card €9.25, free up to age 5. Prices checked in October 2026. The museum is closed on Mondays, so don't plan the trip for that day.

How to get there

Spaarne 16, 2011 CH Haarlem. From Amsterdam Centraal, take a direct train to Haarlem (about 15 minutes, several departures an hour). From Haarlem station, allow 15 minutes on foot via the Grote Markt, or take a bus to the centre.