We’re open
Open from Wednesday till Sunday from 13.00-17.00 hrs. Entrance free. We have a English translation available for our permanent exhibition. And we have a lot of free children’s activities, also in English available.
Download here our English translations of our permanent exhibithion ‘6000 year of Haarlems’History
Download here our English translation of our tempory exhbithion ‘Haarlemmer Hout’
Welcome to the Archaeological Museum Haarlem, the best museum under the ground!
The Archaeological Museum Haarlem is located in the basement of a centuries-old building (the Vleeshal) on the Grote Markt. It is a true hidden gem, situated in a beautifully historical environment and free to visit. You find a permanent exhibition about the earliest habitation on the coastal area (almost 6000 years old!) cesspits from the medieval city and all about the emerge of the city with its beer and lace industry.
6000 years of Haarlems’History
People lived in Haarlem and the surrounding area as long as 5600 years ago. In order to learn more about these early settlers, archaeologists excavate looking for evidence of past occupation. Excavations take place all over Haarlem and the surrounding area using archaeology to provide invaluable information regarding the town’s past.
Finds made on the excavations allow the Haarlem Archaeological Museum to give a brief insight into the town’s history. You will find our permanent collection on the left-hand side of the museum, and our temporary displays to your right (these rotate twice a year).
Meet Cornelis our medieval inhabitant
And don’t forget to ‘meet’ our medieval inhabitant: Cornelis. He’s skeleton lays in our museum, he is one of many found at an excavation at the Botermarkt. From his skeleton a reconstruction has been made: Cornelis. Learn all about him and take a selfie with him!
Lots of fun for children
We encourage children to actively participate in the museum and offer a children’s trail in both Dutch and English alongside, a mock excavation in the far right of the museum. And you can puzzle with sherds, build your own castle and lots of creative activities or do a puzzle on one of our computers.
Practical information
The entrance is free. We’re open from Wednesday till Sunday 13.00-17.00 hrs.
Most of our exhibitions texst is translated in English, we also have an objects of note of the most important objects on display.