Leiden American Pilgrim Museum

Located in a beautifully preserved house built ca 1365-1370, the Leiden American Pilgrim museum tells the stories of the founders of New England, the Pilgrims. Furnishings from Pilgrim times show aspects of daily life, while events involving the Pilgrims themselves are illustrated with a remarkable collection of sixteenth and seventeenth-century maps and engravings by such artists as Gerard Mercator, Adrian van de Venne, Adriaen van Ostade, and Jacques de Gheyn.

The Leiden American Pilgrim Museum is not only one of the smallest museums in the Netherlands, your visit will also have a strong private character this summer. Due to the Covid-19 museum protocol, we may only allow two visitors per time slot. In half an hour the Pilgrim specialist will tell you everything you in English or French want to know about the Pilgrims in Leiden and you can view the collection at your leisure. 

To book a visit, click here.

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Blue stone

The blue stone in the middle of the Breestraat marks the centre of the city. In medieval it was the place where courts of law were held and sentences carried out.

City Hall

Several Pilgrims were married in the City Hall, amongst them William Bradford and Dorothy May.

De Vliet

When the Pilgrims left Leiden in 1620 they passed under the Vlietbrug on their way to Delfshaven.

Jean Pesijnhof

Across the street from the Pieterskerk, the grand entrance to the Jean Pesijns Almshouse stands since 1683 where John Robinson’s house had been. A memorial stone is in the wall to the right of the entry.

Langebrug

Somewhere in a close on the Langebrug, Pilgrim James Chilton lived with his family.

Latin School

In Pilgrim times, Rembrandt studied here.

Lokhorst Church

Leiden's Mennonite community built the Lokhorstkerk in 1613-38 behind existing houses and expanded it in 1648.

Mayflower Escaperoom

With only 60 minutes on the clock and many difficult puzzles and riddles, the Mayflower Escaperoom is an exciting challenge for families, friends and colleagues.

Museum De Lakenhal

Museum De Lakenhal presents an exhibition which sheds light on this remarkable journey, from their home country England, via the city of Leiden where they were in voluntary exile for 11 years, to the world of the Native Americans they entered and the colony they founded. In the exhibition, questions are highlighted, offering a range of historical and contemporary perspectives.

Pieterskerk Leiden

The Pieterskerk has been a central monument in Leiden since the twelfth century. With almost 900 years worth of history, the Pieterskerk has been an important meeting place in Dutch history.

St. Louis Church

Before the Reformation this church was a stop for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela.

St. Pancras Church

Although most Pilgrims who died in Leiden were buried in or around the Pieterskerk, a few were buried in the Hooglandsekerk, including a child of William Brewster’s, who died in June, 1609, shortly after the Pilgrims arrived in Leiden.

The Burcht

An artificial hill, a motte, constructed around 1000 AD. A circular castle from the middle of the twelfth century stands on the top.

University

The University was founded in 1575 and is the oldest university in the Netherlands. John Robinson took part in heated theological debates.

Waag

Not only were all wares coming to market brought here to be weighed, the landing in front of the Weigh House was the terminus of regular boat service to Leiden from Haarlem and Amsterdam. Here is where the Pilgrims first set foot on Leiden’s land.

Walloon Church

When the hospital was still standing, Myles Standish, an English soldier who later joined the Pilgrims, was nursed here.

William Brewster Alley

William Brewster lived and worked in an area of Leiden near Pieterskerk. Today the street where he lived is called William Brewstersteeg.

Accommodation Nearby

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Boutique Hotel d'Oude Morsch

Boutique Hotel d'Oude Morsch

Boutique Hotel d'Oude Morsch

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Boutique Hotel Huys van Leyden

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Between the two main Leiden shopping streets

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A magnificent view over the city

City Resort Hotel Leiden

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This hotel is the first Hilton Garden Inn in the Netherlands and provides that ideal mix between high-quality accommodation and excellent facilities at competitive prices for business travellers and tourists alike.

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Holiday Inn Leiden

Spacious design, versatile hotel Highly suitable for business guests, groups, meetings and families. Part of the largest hotel chain in the world, InterContinentals Hotels Group. This will give you the benefit of the high international standard guarantee for service and quality.

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Hotel De Doelen

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Ibis Hotel Leiden

Ibis Hotel Leiden

Ibis Hotel Leiden

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Kasteel Oud Poelgeest

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Rembrandt Hotel

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