St Bavo church & Frans Hals museum in Haarlem

by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

Imagine a historic city bathed in the warm glow of evening light. The majestic St Bavo church, with its imposing Gothic architecture, stands out proudly against the velvety night sky. Beside her shines the Frans Hals Museum, a tribute to the Golden Age, where the echoes of old masters can still be felt.

The Grote of Sint-Bavokerk is undoubtedly one of the most impressive churches in the Netherlands. Located on the Grote Markt, this Gothic masterpiece has been a beacon for Haarlemmers and visitors since the 15th century.

With its imposing 78-metre tower and magnificent vaults, this church is a visual spectacle. The church houses the world-famous Müller organ, on which none other than Mozart and Handel once played. The church has a rich history, from Catholic cathedral to Protestant church, and still plays a central role in Haarlem city life.

The Frans Hals Museum is one of the most iconic museums in the Netherlands, dedicated to the masterpieces of the Golden Age, with a particular focus on the painter Frans Hals, known for his expressive and dynamic painting style, which had a huge influence on later greats such as Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.

The Frans Hals Museum is divided between Hof and Hall. Hof mainly displays 17th-century art, Hal focuses on modern and contemporary art. In addition to paintings by Hals himself, you will find works by contemporaries such as Jan Steen, Judith Leyster and Jacob van Ruisdael, as well as contemporary art that dialogues with the past.