Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FRANS HALS
MUSEUM TOUR
Frans Hals (c. 1582-1666) is Haarlem's most famous son. He was a
bold humanist who painted everyday people in their warts-and-all
glory, a forerunner of Impressionist brushwork, a master of compo-
sition, and an articulate visual spokesman for his generation—the
generation of Holland's Golden Age.
Stand eye-to-eye with life-size, lifelike portraits of Haarlem's
citizens—brewers, preachers, workers, bureaucrats, and house-
wives. Take a close look at the people who built the Golden Age,
and then watched it start to fade.
orientation
Cost:
€7.50 (often €10 when entry includes a special exhibit).
Hours:
Tue-Sat 11:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00, closed Mon.
Getting There:
The museum is at Groot Heiligland 62, a delight-
ful five-minute stroll from the main square.
Information:
While Frans Hals' masterpieces never leave Room
14 (and nearby rooms), the other paintings can rotate—ask
a guard if you can't locate them easily. The entire museum is
thoughtfully described in English. Tel. 023/511-5775, www
.franshalsmuseum.nl.
If you'll be visiting six or more museums in the
Netherlands, consider buying the €39.95 Museumkaart pass
here. It covers your entry to both the Frans Hals and Teylers
museums in Haarlem, and lets you skip the ticket-buying line
at bigger sights, such as the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
(for more on sightseeing passes, including the Museumkaart,
see page 34).
Length of This Tour:
Allow one hour.
