Plan Your Visit
The façade and entrance of the Embassy of the Free Mind
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Museum
The Museum invites visitors to explore ideas through images, symbols, and stories. Here, philosophy and knowledge become visible. Illustrations from our rare books as well as themed exhibitions offer new perspectives on the world and on oneself.
The Museum offers a range of tours to suit every curiosity, from the history of the monument and current exhibitions to in-depth introductions into its extraordinary book collection.
From children's activities to concerts, lectures, workshops, and city-wide events like Amsterdam Dance Event, Liberation Day, Open Garden Days and Museum Night, it is a place of discovery for every generation.
Museum Admission
The museum ticket is valid for the whole day. Reservations are appreciated but not required.
Opening Times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 - 18:00
Ticket Prices
Adults – €15
Students – €8.5
Youth– €6.5
Kids – Free
Entrance is free upon scanning a Museumkaart, Stadspas, iAmsterdam City Card, ICOM card, or with EFM Membership.
Address
House with the Heads | 123 Keizersgracht, 1015 CJ Amsterdam
Exhibitions
The museum ticket offers free entrance to our exhibitions. Explore which exhibitions are currently on view, or look into our past exhibitions.
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Grand Hall
The Grand Hall is where you find images from our rare books collection. These images are rich in symbols and can tell you about the connection between humans and the world around us, about the alchemical process, about the origin of the world, and the deeper meaning behind familiar phenomena.
Grail Room
The Grail Room is devoted to ‘The Grail of Amsterdam’, an outstanding work of art by the Russian lacquer miniaturist Oleg An, which illustrates grail legends.
Reading Room
The post-1900 collection is freely accessible in the Reading Room, where you will find a selection from the modern Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica book collection. If you are looking for a specific book and can’t find it on the shelf, you can ask the curators to look it up for you.
Spaces are provided here to read, work, or study in peace.
To see the core collection of rare printed books, book an exclusive rare book tour.
Carl G. Jung Room
The Jung Room houses books by the Carl Gustaf Jung Institute, where you can come and explore his works and stories.
The Jung room is only open on Fridays from 10 am - 5 pm.
Garden
Go out and find a spot in our garden, an oasis of peace in the heart of Amsterdam, with a wealth of flowers from spring to autumn.
The garden is accesible without a museum ticket.
Café & Shop
Our Café is an attractive place to meet people and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. There is also a shop featuring our popular books, posters, and more.
Both café and shop are accesible without a museum ticket.
Tours
We offer several guided tours and a free audio-tour. In addition to a ticket for the tour you also need to have a valid admission ticket to the museum.
Getting There
Address
House with the Heads
Keizersgracht 123, 1015 CJ Amsterdam
Public Transport
A fifteen-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station. Prefer public transport? Take trams 13 or 17, or bus 170, 172, or 174 to the Westermarkt stop. From there, walk back a short distance, turn left onto Keizersgracht, and you will find us on your right after 300 meters.
Bike
Amsterdam is best explored on two wheels, and the EFM is no exception. Ample bike parking is available along the Keizersgracht.
Car
Parking in the area is paid (~ €8,05 per hour), and spaces can be difficult to find. The nearest parking garages are Q-park Nieuwendijk at Nieuwezijds Kolk 18 (650 meters), Q-park Bijenkorf at Beursstraat 15 (950 meters), and Q-park Europarking at Marnixstraat 250 (1,300 meters). You can also park at a P+R location and travel into the centre by public transport.
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Accessibility
Our monumental building does not have an elevator, so the museum is not wheelchair accessible. Strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs cannot be used inside; you may leave them safely at the entrance. The building has stairs throughout, and benches are available for visitors to rest. The museum experience spans two and a half floors.
While we are currently limited by the historic structure, we are in the process of redesigning the monumental building, including the installation of an elevator, to make the upper floors accessible to all visitors.
FAQs
Curious minds ask good questions. Find answers to the most frequently asked ones below.
How can I get a ticket?
We recommend booking your ticket in advance here. Tickets are usually available at the door as well, but be sure to check the current opening hours before visiting. The museum may occasionally open later, close earlier, or close for private events. We don’t want you to find a closed door.
Which discount cards are accepted?
You can enter the museum for free with the Museum Card, Amsterdam City Pass (Stadspas), iAmsterdam City Card, or the ICOM Card. You can also enter for free as an EFM Member.
How can I pay at the Embassy of the Free Mind?
We only accept debit and credit cards. We do not accept cash.
I have an EFM Membership. Do I still need to book a ticket?
No, as a EFM member your membership is your entrance ticket. Make sure to bring it with you when visiting. Please note: the membership is personal and not transferable.
I bought a ticket online, but unfortunately can't make it. Can I change the date or cancel my ticket(s)?
Ticket cancellations or refunds are not available, but you can reschedule your ticket once.
You can easily change the date of your ticket(s) yourself via the ticket support page up to 24 hours before your visit. This cannot be done by email or phone.
I didn’t receive my ticket, what should I do?
Check your spam folder first. If it’s not there, you can resend your ticket via the ticket support page.
Can I visit the café or garden without a ticket?
Yes, the café and garden are accessible without a museum ticket.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible? What about limited mobility?
Our monumental building has no elevator, so the museum is not wheelchair accessible. Strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs cannot be used inside, but you may leave them safely at the entrance.
The building has stairs throughout, but benches are available for visitors to rest. While we are limited by the historic structure, we strive to make the visit as comfortable as possible for all visitors.
Is there a place to store my belongings during my visit?
You can use our lockers and cloakroom near the entrance free of charge for small bags, backpacks, and coats. There is no separate cloakroom. Large luggage is not permitted.
Can I eat or drink inside the Embassy of the Free Mind?
Consuming your own food and drinks inside the EFM is not allowed. Food and drinks are available at the café.
Is photography allowed?
Taking photos and videos for personal use is allowed, and we love it when you tag us on social media! Please respect other visitors’ privacy.
For professional photography, filming, or other recordings, you must request permission via our contact form. Without written permission, staff may ask you to stop filming or photographing.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted. Assistance dogs are welcome.
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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