Stedelijk Museum
Canadaplein 1
1811 KE Alkmaar
Tel:+31 (0)72-5489789
Internet: www.stedelijkmuseumalkmaar.nl

The Alkmaar Municipal Museum
The history of the city begins in the museum

Permanent collection
In the heart of the city, right next to the Great (or Saint Laurence) Church, is the Alkmaar Municipal Museum, where the rich history of the city comes to life. Your exploration of the museum begins with a short, informative, delightful slide presentation, where you’ll learn how Alkmaar got its start and how it grew over the next five centuries. Afterwards you’ll visit the large permanent collection, which is devoted to Alkmaar’s Golden Age and Modern Period.

You’ll see who held sway in the magnificent Town Hall, experience the hard hand of 17th-century justice, and become acquainted with the men of the militia who protected the burghers in times of peace and war. You’ll see how Alkmaar was besieged by the Spanish in 1573, and you’ll share in the religious, social, economic and daily life of the people of Alkmaar.

You’ll also see how Alkmaar developed into a modern city. You’ll be able to join your children and grandchildren in admiring the toys that were played with in around 1900. You’ll learn about the city’s cultural life, and when your visit draws to a close you’ll find yourself in the room where art is exhibited that was made between 1914 and 1950 in Alkmaar and the artists’ village of Bergen.

The collection
The museum collection is quite versatile. The leading pieces from the Golden Age include paintings by Caesar van Everdingen, the interior of the Great (or Saint Laurence) Church by Pieter Janz Saenredam, portraits by Maarten van Heemskerck, militia group portraits and a number of valuable silver drinking goblets from the militia. The museum also has an important collection of Expressionist art.

Exhibitions, activities and events
The museum organizes major exhibitions two or three times a year. A varied programme of activities and events is offered in conjunction with these exhibitions and the permanent collection.

The museum shop
The museum shop is specialized in products that have something to do with Alkmaar and the surrounding area. There is a wide selection of books, posters and trinkets on sale as well as bicycle and walking maps.

The museum café
Coffee, tea and soft drinks are available in the museum itself. For full lunches and dinners there’s Sonneveld Eten & Drinken, the theatre restaurant next to De Vest. Sonneveld is a stone’s throw from the museum and also operates an outdoor café.