The House with the Heads

A monument to freethinking since 1622, most likely designed by architect Hendrick de Keizer, who built many famous Amsterdam landmarks, including the Westerkerk.

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Monument

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A pillar of the Embassy of the Free Mind

The House with the Heads on Keizersgracht 123 in Amsterdam is more than a historic building. For centuries, it has been a hub where knowledge, creativity, and free thinking converged.

Named after the busts of six Roman deities on its façade, the house has long attracted free thinkers, collectors, and patrons of the arts. Once home to Lodewijk (or Louis) de Geer and his son Laurens, it housed an extensive library containing titles that can be found on our shelves today.

Today, the house is the living heart of the Embassy of the Free Mind and the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica. As a monument, it safeguards intellectual heritage while remaining open and alive, inviting visitors into a continuum of thought that links past inquiry with present reflection.

A Monument to Free Thinking

Today, the house is the living heart of the Embassy of the Free Mind and the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica. As a monument, it safeguards intellectual heritage while remaining open and alive, inviting visitors into a continuum of thought that links past inquiry with present reflection.

1622

Year Built

Keizersgracht 123

Amsterdam

Rijksmonument

Top 100 Dutch Heritage Sites

Since 2017

Home to the Embassy of the Free Mind

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The Heads Virtual Tour Venue Hire

Apollo

(Greek: Apollon)

is one of the most important gods in ancient Greece. He symbolizes beauty and order, perfection, harmony, balance, and reason. He is also the god of music and light, the sun. He is considered the epitome of male beauty and virtue. He is Diana's twin brother and is considered the counterpart to Bacchus, who represents intoxication and ecstasy.

Ceres

(Greek: Demeter)

is the goddess of agriculture. She is also associated with fertility and motherhood. The sheaves of grain in her hair be seen as a symbol of potential and growth. A powerful, protective maternal force, she takes on the god of the underworld himself to get her daughter back, which, according to the myth, brought about the seasons.

Mercury

(Greek: Hermes)

is the god of trade, travellers, thieves, and profit. He is the messenger of the gods and, in that capacity, can go anywhere, from Mount Olympus to the underworld. Therefore, he also acts as a psychopomp, someone who guides newly deceased souls into the afterlife. Additionally, he is associated with eloquence.

Minerva

(Greek: Pallas Athena)

is the symbol of the divine power of reason, the human spirit, and wisdom. She was also revered as the goddess of justice and law. Ingenuity is one of her other aspects; as such, she is the patron of crafts(wo)men and artists. She also governs battle strategy, where her wisdom can be applied in a cold, calculating way, leading soldiers to victory.

Bacchus

(Greek: Dionysus)

is the god of wine, festivity, ecstasy, intoxication, and drunkenness. In ancient times, he taught people to cultivate fruit trees, particularly grapevines, thereby bringing civilization to humanity. He governs chaotic pleasure and even madness. He also symbolizes inspiration in art. He is considered the counterpart of Apollo, who represents reason and order.

Diana

(Greek: Artmetis)

is the goddess of hunting, wild nature, birth, and the moon. She is also the protector of chastity. She is complementary to her twin brother Apollo, who is associated with the sun. She is associated with boundaries, like the boundary between the material world and the underworld

Virtual Tour

Because not everyone is able to visit us in person, we have developed a virtual tour! Discover the Grail of Amsterdam, our colourful garden filled with wild flowers, or take a look at one of our past exhibitions.

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Venue Hire

Built in 1622, the House with the Heads is one of Amsterdam's most storied buildings and part of the National Heritage Foundation's Top 100. Contact mmarques@efm.amsterdam to learn more about the possibilities of renting the entire building for a special event.

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Upcoming Events

From inspiring experiences to content-driven gatherings, the Embassy of the Free Mind offers a diverse calendar open to all curious minds.

Vibe Coding- Humanities & AI

Join a hands-on workshop exploring generative AI through ancient wisdom and cultural memory. You'll engage in creative practices.

The Mysteries of Europe I

Explore ancient Mystery traditions and conscious breathwork with Jacques Theron in this informative workshop.

The Mysteries of Europe II

Experience Shamanic Breathwork for cosmic consciousness with Jacques Theron in a transformative workshop.

Forum for Process

Explore Jungian psychology through film, hosted by Dr. Barbara Miller All are welcome to this intimate monthly screening.

Fairytale Salon

Explore an insightful fairytale salon led by Barbara Helen Miller.

Forum for Process

Explore Jungian psychology through film, hosted by Dr. Barbara Miller All are welcome to this intimate monthly screening.

Fairytale Salon

Explore an insightful fairytale salon led by Barbara Helen Miller.

Forum for Process

Explore Jungian psychology through film, hosted by Dr. Barbara Miller All are welcome to this intimate monthly screening.

Fairytale Salon

Explore an insightful fairytale salon led by Barbara Helen Miller.

Explore

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Delve into the Embassy of the Free Mind.

About Us

Where wisdom creates freedom. Seven pillars form our foundation, all supporting our mission to make ancient wisdom accessible.

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Our Garden

Enjoy our green oasis and step into a living garden in the heart of Amsterdam.

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From the Collection

"For the divine wisdom is revealed in all things. Whoever seeks it with a sincere heart will find that heaven and earth are full of the divine mystery"

Biblioteca Philisophica HErmetica

Three Principles of the Divine Essence

Become a Member

Become part of a living community dedicated to free inquiry and the extraordinary legacy of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica.

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The House with the Heads

Monument

A Monument to Free Thinking

1622

Keizersgracht 123

Rijksmonument

Since 2017

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Jump to Section

Apollo

(Greek: Apollon)

Ceres

(Greek: Demeter)

Mercury

(Greek: Hermes)

Minerva

(Greek: Pallas Athena)

Bacchus

(Greek: Dionysus)

Diana

(Greek: Artmetis)

Virtual Tour

Venue Hire

Price on Request

Upcoming Events

Vibe Coding- Humanities & AI

The Mysteries of Europe I

The Mysteries of Europe II

Forum for Process

Fairytale Salon

Forum for Process

Fairytale Salon

Forum for Process

Fairytale Salon

Learn More

About Us

Our Garden

Three Principles of the Divine Essence

Become a Member

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