The moment I entered the museum... after finally finding the entrance, since the door to the backyard was open and confused me 😊, I saw an elderly couple ahead of me. They were in their 60s or 70s but looked remarkable for their age. The man wore a long black coat, exuding elegance, and carried a small leather bag. His wife’s short white hair, lightly tinted with shades of purple, perfectly complemented her vintage outfit.
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The receptionist was a slim woman, around 40 years old, with reddish-brown hair tied into a bun. Her tired eyes barely stayed open, yet she maintained a warm smile. I could already tell... she’d recently smoked marijuana.
She leaned forward to inspect the man’s bag after scanning their tickets. A devilish glint sparkled in her eyes.
“I’ve got a small one,” said the man casually, as her gaze shifted from the bag to the area between his legs. A mischievous grin spread across her face. Clearly, not just her and I had the same thought pop into our heads.
“Well, he definitely has a small one,” his wife chimed in, and both the receptionist and I couldn’t hold back our laughter. These were people who knew how to take a joke.
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“True enough,” the man shrugged with a smile, completely unbothered. “Sometimes I wonder how we’ve lasted 30 years together.”
The receptionist handed over their tickets, still chuckling, and directed them toward the entrance, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. As she turned to me, still giggling, she said, “I’m so sorry!”
“Oh, don’t worry about it,” I replied, playing along with the joke while holding up my own small purse. “I’ve got a small one too.” We both burst into laughter as she scanned my museum card, our amusement echoing through the hall. A perfect first impression, wouldn’t you say?
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If you ask me, the Dutch, much like the Germans, have a knack for dark humor. The main difference, though, lies in their openness to foreigners. Many Germans, unfortunately, don’t look kindly on outsiders - especially Bulgarians, as we’ve earned ourselves quite the reputation (for reasons unknown, haha).
The Dutch, on the other hand, are incredibly welcoming, social, and open-minded toward all races, genders, and sexualities - or at least that’s my impression. Their desire to preserve and share their history with the world is admirable, and this museum stands as proof of that.
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Huis van Gijn is a testament to Simon van Gijn’s passion for history. This remarkable man dedicated his life to collecting and preserving artifacts from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries - including weapons, paintings, interior designs, and even toys. His wish, upon his death, was that his house be turned into a museum, allowing future generations to experience the past as he did.
In every detail of the house, you can see elements of the Dutch Interior Renaissance... a period characterized by elegance and symmetry. It’s fascinating how this style combined practicality with artistry, blending influences from Italy and France.
The kitchen, with its bronze utensils, coal stove, and water system (a rarity in the 17th century), perfectly captures the atmosphere of a bygone era. It feels like stepping into a sepia-toned film reel. Beneath the kitchen lies a cellar, where much of the original decor has been carefully restored, staying true to Simon’s vision.
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Walking through the corridors, adorned with intricate woodwork and symmetrical designs, I felt transported back through three centuries. In the dining room, you’ll even find menus handwritten by Simon himself, showcasing Dutch culinary traditions of the time.
But what struck me most was how the house reflects a blend of cultures. From French clocks and plates to Chinese chess sets and Greek-inspired decor, every room highlights Simon’s open-mindedness... a symbol of the diversity that defines the Netherlands today.
Practical Information for Visitors
If you’d like to visit, here’s what you need to know:
📍 Location: Nieuwe Haven 29, Dordrecht [//]:# (!worldmappin 51.81647 lat 4.66378 long Huis Van Gijn d3scr)
💡 Tip: Directly opposite the house, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the river. Even on a foggy, rainy day, it’s worth it.
🕒 Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
🎟️ Ticket Prices:
Adults: €14.00
Children (0-18 years): Free
Students: €5.00
Museum Card: Free (though additional fees may apply for special exhibitions).
🌐 Website:
Huis Van Gijn
Simon van Gijn’s dedication to preserving history is truly inspiring. He reminds us that we are part of a greater narrative, connected to the past and responsible for passing it on to future generations. I want to share with you one of his most famous quotes:
"The past is a reflection of the present, and he who wants to thoroughly understand his own era, the present, must not be a complete stranger to the past, the source of the present."
History isn’t just a collection of dates and facts. It’s a story, a lesson, and a source of inspiration. And sometimes, it’s also a good laugh. 😊
suffer from the past, to long for the future, but to forget the present.
Any unsourced images and writing are my own. Life is worth it!
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