A Hidden Church...

The outside no longer looks anything like the 17th century canal house that still stands on this spot for the Our Lord in the Attic Museum. 

Built in 1630, the original house is now incorporated into the museum that was opened in 1888, making it the second oldest museum in Amsterdam. 

Many of the old rooms were very charming, including the kitchen...

…the pottery storage room...

…and the bedroom. 

The house was owned by Jan Hartman, a wealthy merchant who traded linens, collected import taxes on wine and clearly enjoyed art. He lived there with his wife, their five children and their priest. 

In 1661, he had the upper three floors converted into a clandestine church since Catholics were forbidden to worship in public. Despite that ban, the authorities would turn a blind eye, resulting in the church becoming a symbol of Dutch religious tolerance. The church remains close to its original condition with original pieces of artwork...

…and an organ.

There was even a confessional. 

This model helps to show how the church was enclosed within the house. Apparently churchgoers would enter the house from a side alley to attend Mass. 

We spent much longer than we expected at this unique museum, which included an excellent audio guide. On the top floor there was a interactive exhibit about tolerance, but it was mostly in Dutch.