As you might know, I like to recommend the smaller, less touristic places in the Jordaan and its surroundings. Well, this goes the same for museums and other activities. We all have heard about the Rijks, Stedelijk and Van Gogh. There is really little I can tell you about these museums, that would be any different from any other guide, book or website. Well, today I would like to tell you something about the Multatuli Museum.

I asume, you all know Multatuli or have heard about him (or his most famous book ‘Max Havelaar’). At least, for us Dutchies, this book and its writer are of great historic value. Multatuli, or Eduard Douwes Dekker, was born not to far from the Bloemgracht.

In his book Max Havelaar he denounces the abuses of colonialism in the Dutch East Indies, where he was sent to himself in 1838 to work as an appointed controller of the District of Natal, in Sumatra. Funny fact; in the opening of his book Multatuli writes about the ‘Lauriergracht 37’, which is an existing canal in the Jordaan. Only number 37 didn’t exist, there was an alley between number 35 and 39 making it fictitious adres, without offending anyone who might live there.

At the Multatuli Museum you can find his old home filled with a lot of furniture, books and other personal belongings. While walking around the museum, it feels like Multatuli could walk in any moment and start writing again. The museum offers a little peek in his Amsterdam life.

Beside the exposition, the Multatuli Museum offers a city walk through Amsterdam focussed on places where he grew up. Telling his stories and showing the places which inspired him. Please note that the walks go by appointment only and has a minimum om 5 people.

Sincerely,

Mr. J.

Korsjespoortsteeg 20

1015 AR Amsterdam

€••••