Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

My husband and I visited on Thanksgiving Day, which made this experience even more meaningful. As Americans, we thought we knew the Pilgrim story, but we had no idea about their years in Leiden before sailing to the New World. This small museum does a wonderful job bringing that overlooked chapter to life. Combined with a visit to the nearby Pieterskerk, we gained a much deeper understanding of who these people were and what shaped them before they ever boarded the Mayflower. If you're American and visiting Leiden, don't miss this. It will change how you think about Thanksgiving.

Well worth a visit if you are interested in American Pilgrim history. Personally, I didn’t know much about it - until I came here. Not only is the architecture of the time, but there are quite a few artifacts they are able to show you that pilgrims would have handled. Was quite fascinated by the sitting up bed as apparently they thought that was healthier. Very informative guide. As I happened to be visiting at the same time as a family from the States, they asked a lot of interesting questions. You can stay as long as you like, but give yourself half an hour to an hour to chat.

This will be one of the smallest museums you will ever visit. Still, for those with any interest in 15-17c European urban life it's worth your time and modest admission fee (which is not included in the Leiden museum pass). If you have Pilgrim ancestry, it's a must see. (Not all Pilgrims sailed to America. Many stayed in the Netherlands and some returned to England.) The first small room contains artifacts from the Pilgrim period. Many can be touched and handled. The second room contains 15-16c artifacts. They are not as conducive to being touched, although a 14c chair is still sturdy enough to sit in! The docent was knowledgeable and patient. Clearly she had a passion for this historical period. She spoke English, French, and Dutch.

Very much worth the visit-a little gem in one of the prettiest cities in Holland. This is a small house where Pilgrims from England lived for a while before leaving for America. You will also get to see the inside of a very old home next door.

Amazing small museum. The staff is so knowledgeable and helpful, she will answer all your questions and tell lots of interesting stories! The collection and preserved rooms and floors are a treat to see and hear about.

The history of the Mayflower pilgrims and there time in Leiden is certainly very interesting. So I was eager to see this museum which turned out quite differently from what I expected: it is hard not to miss the entrance even with Google maps since there is only a small sign at the door. The elder gentleman who seems to run the museum seemed rather surprised that I wanted to see it. I entered the first room and paid the 9.50E ticket he started telling me slowly about the house: it seems the oldest preserved house in Leiden and it is not connected to the pilgrims who’s houses have all disappeared. When I asked him if I could see the other rooms he said there was only one other space in the neighboring house for which we had to go outside since at some point the door had been closed by bricks. So what you get is two small ancient rooms with no connection to the pilgrims with information about their history and books and household items from the period. The gentleman is certainly knowledgeable and you are likely to have everything to yourself. So it is very recommendable for enthusiasts. For normal visitors it might be disappointingly small and relatively expensive.

In the early 1600’s Christian refugees from England came to Leiden to escape persecution. This little museum in Leiden shows a well preserved living space from the time of these people. The lady who told us about it was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable and happily answered all our questions. Worth a visit if you want to know about this or just see how people used to live in Leiden back then. It’s only small, so it’s wise to book your hour’s slot online and arrive on time.

Incredible, intimate, surreal access to centuries old documents and objects- it's as magical as stepping back in time. The marvelous antiques shop next door is also well worth a visit. The owner and the historian are both extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.