About us
Step inside 600 years of care, rules and daily life For centuries, care, faith and discipline came together in this space. That makes the Mannenzaal not just an ordinary historical location, but a silent witness to compassion — and to how a city treated its vulnerable residents.
Unique in the Netherlands
The Men's Ward of St Peter's Hospital in Amersfoort is one of the most remarkable historical interiors in the Netherlands. With 22 box beds along both walls, the Men's Ward is the only fully preserved hospital ward in the Netherlands. There are only a few comparable wards in Western Europe, including in Beaune, Lyon and Tournus. This makes the Men's Ward in Amersfoort of exceptional cultural and historical value.
A place where care began
Around 1390, a guest house was founded outside the city walls of Amersfoort. At a time when care homes and hospitals as we know them today did not yet exist, citizens and religious communities took care of the sick, the poor and the elderly.
The ideas of Modern Devotion, charity, simplicity and practical care were evident in everyday life. Initially, only the sick were admitted here. Later, mainly the elderly and paying citizens were given a place.
Around 1500, the complex was renovated. The chapel, which still forms the heart of the Mannenzaal, dates from that period. Two wards were built directly adjacent to it: a men's ward and a women's ward. The Mannenzaal has been preserved in its original form to this day.
Who lived here?
The residents were called “guests”. Initially, they were sick people who needed care. Later, people could also buy their way in as so-called “boarders”: they paid a sum of money or brought possessions in exchange for lifelong care.
Around 1800, this system was abolished because it went against the original intentions.
Each resident had a chest for personal belongings, a chair, a table, and a plate and cutlery. There was hardly any privacy. Everyone wore the same clothes. Married couples slept separately.
Rules, rhythm and discipline
Daily life was dominated by order. The rules of order determined what time people got up, ate and slept.
Misconduct could be punished with house arrest or food deprivation. In extreme cases, expulsion followed.
The house father and house mother, appointed by the regents, supervised. They ensured peace and tidiness.
Yet there was also community. Behind the ward was the men's room: a space for making coffee, smoking and socialising. Outside was a garden with a vegetable patch and, until 1830, a cemetery for deceased residents.
From guest house to museum
In the nineteenth century, the buildings increasingly failed to meet the requirements of the time. In the 20th century, a large part of the complex was demolished. Thanks to the intervention of P.J.H. Cuypers, the Chapel and the Men's Ward were preserved. Today, you can visit this place as a museum.
From time to time, art exhibitions are organised in the chapel by Museum Flehite. These reflect themes that are appropriate to the Men's Ward, such as care, resilience and social justice.
Chapel rental
The chapel at this special location is also available for hire. Outside opening hours, meetings such as lectures, concerts and workshops can be organised in the chapel.
Step inside the Men's Ward and discover why this place has been preserving stories for more than six centuries.
Collaboration on a meaningful heritage experience
Museum Flehite is responsible for the museum operations at this unique heritage location. Together with the owner, Stichting St. Pieters en Bloklands Gasthuis – Cultural Heritage, De Mannenzaal will be given a permanent place within Amersfoort's cultural offering. This will make this special complex more accessible to residents and visitors.
Living history
Volunteers in period costumes bring daily life at the “guest estates” back to life. Visitors get the chance to truly experience the stories of the past
NEOS
Together with Living History, it develops the curriculum for secondary and primary schools, ensuring that younger generations are introduced to our rich heritage.
Business made easy
Ensures that everything behind the scenes of the party and event rental business runs smoothly.
Volunteers
The Mannenzaal is open to the public six days a week. This would not be possible without volunteers, who open the door to our history. Would you like to help welcome our visitors? Become a volunteer!
Would you like to contribute to passing on our culture and history to future generations? And would you like to work at this beautiful, unique location in the lovely city centre of Amersfoort? We offer a varied position, which you will always perform together with another volunteer.
Thanks to your efforts, we can welcome visitors and let them enjoy the special story of the Mannenzaal.
Together, these partners ensure that De Mannenzaal is not only a monument to admire, but also a place to experience, meet and remember.
Frequently asked questions
Visitor Information
This is the only medieval guest house in the Netherlands that has been preserved, including its interior. Here, you can still imagine how the residents must have lived. Initially, the guest house was only intended for the sick. Later, it became a guest house with separate sections for women and men. The Men's Ward and Chapel of the St. Pieters- en Blokland Guest House were already in use in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Volunteer
We would love to! We are looking for volunteers for Hospitality & Supervision. You can find the vacancies here.
Visitor information
We are open: Tuesday to Sunday | 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Closed on Mondays
During the holidays, our opening hours may vary: New Year's Day Closed | Easter Sunday & Monday: 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM | King's Day: Closed | Ascension Day: 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Liberation Day: 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Whit Sunday & Monday: 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Christmas Day: Closed | Boxing Day: 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Parking
• No parking spaces in front of the building; nearest car park: Stadhuisplein, Stadhuisplein 4, 3811 LM Amersfoort
• No disabled parking spaces available in front of the building
• Need to drop someone off at the entrance? This is possible. Please contact the Museum Flehite reception at least one hour in advance, but preferably a day in advance: 033-2471100. Or apply for the municipal exemption well in advance via GPK.
Entrance
• Level differences present (height differences)
• Solution:
o ramp
• Entrance is accessible to wheelchair users
• Doors do not open automatically
• Hinged doors
• Reception desk not adapted
Accessibility within the building
• No thresholds inside
• Sufficient space to manoeuvre, walkways at least 120 cm wide
• Wheelchair ramp available at the entrance
• The floor is an old-fashioned tiled floor, uneven, but suitable for wheelchairs
• The mezzanine is only accessible via a spiral staircase. This is not accessible to people with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair
Accessible toilet
• 1 accessible toilet
• Cleaned daily
• Door width: 84 cm
• Toilet
• Space to the left of the toilet: 52 cm; to the right of the toilet: 54 cm | In front of the toilet: 115 cm | Depth of toilet: 55 cm
• Area: 2.38 m²
• Toilet seat height: 44 cm
• Grab rails available: no
Presentation and information
• Exhibition texts are clearly legible (contrast and font size)
• Objects and texts are at an accessible viewing height
• Reflection in display cases is limited
• Audiovisual media are provided with subtitles (where possible)
• Alternative information is available (e.g. audio commentary or explanation by staff)
• Staff can offer assistance
Other facilities
- Assistance or guide dogs are welcome upon presentation of an assistance dog or service animal identification card.
- Free entry for a companion
- No automatic doors
- No audio support
- Pictogram Museum Card: A pictogram museum card is available at reception. This is intended to help visitors who use supportive communication enjoy their visit to the museum more fully and feel more involved.
A tool to help you express what you think of your visit to the museum and how you experience it.
Entrance tickets can also be purchased in the Men's Hall. Please note that payment is only accepted by card.
Contact information:
Email: info@mannenzaal.nl
Address: Westsingel 47, 3811 BB Amersfoort
Phone: Museum Flehite: 033-247 11 00
Admission prices: Adults €6 | Children up to 18 years Free | Student card €5 | CJP €3 | With a Waterlijn/Keilijn ticket
€3
Accessibility:
Public transport: From Amersfoort Central Station, take city bus 1, 2, 3, 4, or 7. Get off at the Stadhuis stop. From there, it's about a 5-minute walk via Molenstraat and Westsingel.
Prefer to walk? The distance from the station is 1.2 km (approximately 14 minutes).
Note: Amersfoort's city center is car-free. Parking is available nearby at the Stadhuisplein parking garage and the St-Jorisplein parking garage.
More detailed information can be found on our website via the Plan your Visit button.
Yes, that's possible. In the Men's Hall, the past and present are connected.
The curriculum is tailored to primary and secondary education and is a collaboration between Living History and NEOS Cultural Education. You can find detailed information by clicking the "School Visit" link at the bottom of the page.
Via social media and/or by emailing info@mannenzaal.nl. For practical questions, you can also call the Museum Flehite reception during opening hours: 033-2471100