Frans Hals is the most renowned Haarlem painter of the Golden Age. A selection of his loveliest and largest paintings is on view in the museum bearing his name. During your visit you will stand eye to eye with his world-famous group portraits of regents and civic guard pieces and also become acquainted with other Haarlem artists of the 16th and 17th century. Paintings ranging from landscapes and portraits to city views and still lifes, can be admired in elegantly appointed rooms. Artists such as Hendrick Goltzius and Jacob van Ruisdael, Pieter Saenredam and Jan Steen are also well represented in the Frans Hals Museum.
The museum is established in a former Old Men’s Alms House that was founded in 1609. Frans Hals must have been very familiar with the building, for he painted a portrait of the Regents of the Old Men’s Alms House in 1664. The splendid regents’ chambers, dining hall and ‘gilded leather’ room still exude the atmosphere of the Golden Age. A stroll through the period courtyard garden will transport you back to the 17th century.
