Hidden inside a traditional 17th-century canal house in the historic centre of Amsterdam, Our Lord in the Attic Museum (in Dutch: Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder) reveals one of the city’s most extraordinary secrets: a complete Catholic church built in an attic.
During the Dutch Golden Age, when public Catholic worship was forbidden, believers created hidden churches inside private homes—and this remarkable site is one of the best-preserved examples in the world. Today, visitors can explore narrow staircases, authentic living quarters and a surprisingly large church space concealed at the top of the house.
A wealthy 17th-century merchant family
As you walk through the museum, you move step by step through the daily life of a wealthy 17th-century merchant family. Each room tells part of the story—from kitchens and bedrooms to richly decorated reception spaces—before the route finally leads upward to the breathtaking hidden church itself. The contrast between the modest canal house exterior and the elegant worship space above makes the experience both intimate and unforgettable.
A glimpse into Amsterdam’s religious history
Located just a short walk from Dam Square and the Red Light District, the museum offers a peaceful and meaningful glimpse into Amsterdam’s religious history and culture of tolerance. Thanks to modern exhibitions, multimedia presentations and beautifully restored interiors, the story comes alive for visitors of all ages. It’s an ideal stop if you’re looking for something unique, authentic and different from the city’s larger museums.
Our Lord in the Attic Museum: Discover Amsterdam’s hidden church inside a canal house
Step inside a remarkable 17th-century home and climb your way up to one of Amsterdam’s most surprising historical treasures—a fully preserved secret church hidden in the attic.
A visit to Our Lord in the Attic (Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder) includes:
- A unique hidden Catholic church built inside the attic of a canal house
- Authentic 17th-century living quarters of a wealthy merchant family
- Beautifully preserved period interiors and decorations
- Insight into Amsterdam’s history of religious tolerance during the Dutch Golden Age
- Interactive exhibitions and multimedia displays explaining the building’s story
- A walk through narrow staircases and historic rooms leading up to the secret church
- One of the best-preserved clandestine churches in Europe
A visit to Our Lord in the Attic usually takes between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours. Most visitors spend around 1 hour exploring the museum with the audio tour. There is no fixed tour time — you can go at your own pace.
Silent Faith
In the 17th century, Catholics in Amsterdam were not allowed to build visible churches—but they were allowed to worship quietly inside private homes. This led to the creation of hidden “clandestine churches” like the one inside Our Lord in the Attic. Remarkably, up to 150 people could gather here at once, right above an ordinary canal house on a busy street—without attracting attention from the outside
Prices
* Free tickets must be reserved in advance. Admission is also free for holders of an ICOM card, Stadspas or Rembrandt Association card. Museum Friends and companions of visitors with disabilities also enjoy free entry.
Opening hours
Our Lord in the Attic Museum is open almost every day.
| Monday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
Note: On Sundays (except in July and August), the museum opens at 11:00 AM due to the Attic Masses
Please visit the Our Lord in the Attic website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Our Lord in the Attic
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38-401012 GD Amsterdam
- +31 (0)20 624 6604
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Our Lord in the Attic
How to get there:
- Walking: 5 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station
- Bicycle: parking in nearby streets & Central Station
- Tram: 4, 14 to Dam + 5-min. walk
- Metro: 51, 53, 54 to Nieuwmarkt + 5-min. walk
- Bus: to Prins Hendrikkade (or Station) + 5-min. walk
- Car: Parking Centrum Oosterdok, Q-Park Bijenkorf (Dam Square) or Central Station parking garages
Accessibility: Due to many narrow stairs, the historic canal house and attic church have limited accessibility. However, a special facility is available for visitors with mobility impairments and their companions to ensure a shared museum experience. The museum café, shop, and exhibition spaces are fully accessible via an elevator in the entrance building, where an adapted toilet is also provided.
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Last updated: March 2026