Review: Frans Hals Museum

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
As of this year, the Frans Hals Museum, the oldest art museum in the Netherlands, has two locations. The Hof building that dates back to 1609 houses a collection of works by Hals himself. The Hal, a former butcher's market hall, dates back to the same era and contains a collection of modern and contemporary art.

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?
The main collection is based on the works of the artist for whom the museum is named—17th-century painter Frans Hals (many of the paintings, now owned by the City of Haarlem, were seized from Catholic Churches in the 16th century after the Reformation). Now, following a recent merging with another Haarlem museum, visitors can find three levels of programming that include Golden Age art, contemporary art, and a mix of the two.

But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits?
This fall, the museum will display an exhibition called 'Frans Hals and the Moderns' with works by Manet, Singer Sargent, and Van Gogh.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?
The two museum buildings are located about 7 minutes apart on foot. One museum ticket is valid at both locations.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
Standard gift shop souvenirs: books, postcards, glassware, and, of course, tulip vases.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?
Open for coffee or lunch.