In Haarlem is the oldest public museum in the Netherlands (opened in 1784), which houses an internationally celebrated collection of Italian, French and Dutch drawings and prints. The works of Dutch painters from the Romantic and Hague School in original 19th century setting. Also important collections of fossils, minerals, physical instruments and coins exhibited in 18th and 19th century architecture. It also houses a large scientific library. Besides a print gallery, there will be room for a new exhibition hall, a book collection, an educational pavilion for children and a museum cafe with a view of the beautiful city garden.

The interior of the Late Gothic church (1370-1520) includes an early 16th century rood-screen, the tomb of Frans Hals, choir-stalls from 1512 and the famous Muller organ dating from 1738 on which young Mozart once played.

Frans Hals museum a 17th-century building with its splendid facade and courtyard-garden houses a famous collection of paintings created by members of the ‘Haarlem School', one of whom was Frans Hals. This museum also possesses a remarkable collection of silverware, a dolls house, a beautiful Renaissance room and, apart from this, a permanent collection of modern art and pictures from the recent past, e.g. works by Isaac Israels and by representatives of the Cobra Group.

The art centre de Hallen situated on ‘Grote Markt’, in the Butchers’Hall, a fine example of Dutch Renaissance architecture dating from 1603 houses alternating exhibitions and modern art.

The Ten Boom Museum is more than just a memorial, it reflects the spiritual strength and the active life in faith, by means of exhibiting documents, photographs and other mementos. The house has been partly restored in the setting of that period, and carries a message for today. The Ten Boom Clock and Watch shop has been refurnished. A watchmaker carries out this meticulous work of repairing watches on the spot in the shop itself.

The Corrie Ten Boom House Foundation has an Board and an advisory Council which supervises the foundation. The foundation is entered in the register of foundations, and listed as a charitable, non-profit organization. The aim of the Foundation is to keep alive the spiritual heritage of the Ten Boom Family of Haarlem as a sign and inspiration for many.

Every year in October Haarlem is declared The Most Delicious City of the Netherlands. This is done during an impressive event, where almost everybody from catering industry in the city and from outside the city come together. Lots of other activities add luster to this happy springs feast, in which Haarlem indulges every year. Throughout the whole year Haarlem will be showing its natural beauty. Outside the city the scenery is splendid too. Go out into the open and get enchanted by the recreation area of Spaarnwoude. This is where exertion and relaxation go hand in hand.