Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden, Historical almshouse and art museum in Leerdam, Netherlands.
Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden is a historical almshouse and art museum in Leerdam located along the Linge River. The two-story building features symmetrical architecture with twelve residences arranged around open courtyards and gardens.
Maria Ponderus, widow of Pieter van Aerden, founded this residence between 1770 and 1772 on the former site of Leerdam Castle. From its inception, the property served as a refuge for unmarried women, as stipulated in the founder's testament.
The regent's room displays paintings from the Dutch Golden Age by artists such as Frans Hals and Gerard ter Borch. The collection reflects the wealth and artistic taste that shaped the founder and her circle.
The museum offers guided tours through the gardens and buildings and can be reserved for concerts and private events. The spaces are accessible, but it is advisable to check in advance if any special access conditions apply to certain areas.
The hofje functions today as both a museum and residence for unmarried women, following the founder's original wishes. This dual purpose is rare and makes it a living monument rather than a static historical site.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
