Dolhuys, Mental health museum in Haarlem, Netherlands
Dolhuys is a museum dedicated to the history of psychiatric care in Haarlem, housed in a historic building. The exhibition displays original isolation cells, medical instruments from different periods, and artifacts from seven psychiatric hospitals.
The building started as a leprosy hospital in 1320 and was converted into a mental health facility in 1559 as leprosy cases declined in Holland. This transformation shows how institutions adapted to meet new medical needs.
The museum displays artworks created by people who experienced mental health treatments, giving them a voice through these exhibitions. Visitors can see how creativity and artistic expression were part of healing processes.
Information is provided in Dutch on-site, with translations in English, German, and French available at the reception desk. Visitors should plan enough time to explore the detailed exhibits and explanations thoroughly.
In 1413, the institution received special permission to examine lepers from neighboring provinces, creating an early certification system. These certificates allowed examined people to request financial assistance, an early form of social support for the sick.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
