Embassy Of The Free Mind

I didn’t anticipate spending as much time as I did (2.5 hours), and could have still spent more time had I not needed to go to the airport. This is a tastefully maintained, high tech museum/ experience/ library/ cafe that promotes free thinking. It has options for both self guided tours (very comprehensive), and guided tours at specific times, a beautiful and usable library, and gorgeous garden. Also a gorgeous artefact as pictured below. This is a place I would love to revisit to be able to spend more time to get through all the readings on display at the very least, to then have a better browse of the library.

One of my favourite places in Amsterdam. It is very tranquil and inspirative. The former private library focused on mystical and esoteric knowledge, now a museum and public library. You may go there for study or to read books they placed in the public reading hall on the 2nd floor. Book selection is good and there are plenty of literature in English - from ancient philosophy (Plato, Plotinus, etc) to taro and mysticism and many other topics. If you are lucky you will meet a cat living there, the most mystic cat I've ever seen, no doubt. I saw this cat peacefully looking at ducks, scene of Eden which suits well for this place.

I was aimlessly wandering through this lovely storied city, blissful to be in such a sophisticated place, when I happened upon this important institution. Noticing that this day would be my only opportunity to explore, they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (my two remaining days here) I immediately entered to discover and learn. The person at the front desk was immensely friendly, welcoming and informative. They have large lockers to store coats and bags so I could wander unencumbered. The building is beautiful and dates back to the 1600’s. The collection examines all organized religions, ancient and modern plus lesser known belief systems and its connection to scientific exploration. There are invaluable drawings, models, sculptures and objects that I found fascinating. The information was interesting and it offered a name to a belief system that I personally hold dear: Hermetic philosophy- believing that everything micro and macro are connected and so what we put out into the world comes back to us (simply put). Its a beautiful space, breathtaking really with a gorgeous cafe and amazing library. The library displays approx.600 books but in reality the institution holds 30000 including rare books that for obvious reason is not on display for public consumption. Theres a spectacular outdoor garden and in spring dozens of tulips are planted, tulips provided by the tulip museum a few blocks away. My only wish is that I would have been able to take a guided tour which they offer twice daily because theres so so much information and it would be easier to digest with an expert, oh well that just means I must return. I live in NYC which has hundreds of museums but I think this institution is the most important museum I have ever visited: a museum of the mind. Its just so interesting to see how humans have been thinking since the beginning of our existence- and humbling to know we haven’t changed much. We ask the same questions, have the same fears, imagine the same scenarios as our ancient ancestors. This institution is such a fitting place for Amsterdam: intelligent, curious, storied, elegant, inclusive, humbled, seeking, accepting, welcoming, collaborative and historic. Im a better person for having experienced this treasure 💜

I love unique places with tons of character like this museum and library! The historic mansion is gorgeous and rich with illustrations from their many precious manuscripts. I brought my laptop and spent time writing in the lovely cafe and upstairs reading room. You can freely browse the book collection and enjoy the exhibits. Keep an eye out for unrestored corners of the building, my favorite!

If you are into the history of ideas from the occult to alchemy, or just interested in different religions, come visit this library that celebrates the world of ideas. This museum has some beautiful rooms, but a visit is mostly centered around reading and enjoying the lovely garden. There is a small, cozy cafe as well The library on the 1st floor contains books on various religions and histories of ancient places and civilizations. Come here to relax, have a read and enjoy the garden on a sunny day. Great place to escape to... Especially if you are by yourself!

I didn’t anticipate spending as much time as I did (2.5 hours), and could have still spent more time had I not needed to go to the airport. This is a tastefully maintained, high tech museum/ experience/ library/ cafe that promotes free thinking. It has options for both self guided tours (very comprehensive), and guided tours at specific times, a beautiful and usable library, and gorgeous garden. Also a gorgeous artefact as pictured below. This is a place I would love to revisit to be able to spend more time to get through all the readings on display at the very least, to then have a better browse of the library.

I was aimlessly wandering through this lovely storied city, blissful to be in such a sophisticated place, when I happened upon this important institution. Noticing that this day would be my only opportunity to explore, they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (my two remaining days here) I immediately entered to discover and learn. The person at the front desk was immensely friendly, welcoming and informative. They have large lockers to store coats and bags so I could wander unencumbered. The building is beautiful and dates back to the 1600’s. The collection examines all organized religions, ancient and modern plus lesser known belief systems and its connection to scientific exploration. There are invaluable drawings, models, sculptures and objects that I found fascinating. The information was interesting and it offered a name to a belief system that I personally hold dear: Hermetic philosophy- believing that everything micro and macro are connected and so what we put out into the world comes back to us (simply put). Its a beautiful space, breathtaking really with a gorgeous cafe and amazing library. The library displays approx.600 books but in reality the institution holds 30000 including rare books that for obvious reason is not on display for public consumption. Theres a spectacular outdoor garden and in spring dozens of tulips are planted, tulips provided by the tulip museum a few blocks away. My only wish is that I would have been able to take a guided tour which they offer twice daily because theres so so much information and it would be easier to digest with an expert, oh well that just means I must return. I live in NYC which has hundreds of museums but I think this institution is the most important museum I have ever visited: a museum of the mind. Its just so interesting to see how humans have been thinking since the beginning of our existence- and humbling to know we haven’t changed much. We ask the same questions, have the same fears, imagine the same scenarios as our ancient ancestors. This institution is such a fitting place for Amsterdam: intelligent, curious, storied, elegant, inclusive, humbled, seeking, accepting, welcoming, collaborative and historic. Im a better person for having experienced this treasure 💜