Museumcafé Thuys has got everything going for it: good coffee in the park, delicious treats and beautifully renovated historic interiors. This is where I go when I want to recharge and step out of Haarlem’s inner city for a while. And the story behind this medieval building is so captivating.
Thuys is situated in Haarlem’s most beautiful green lung, De Bolwerken city park. It shares a building with Museum van de Geest, formerly known as Het Dolhuys (“The Crazy House”). It recently reopened after two years of extensive renovations and once again offers good coffee in the park.
Due to Covid restrictions Museumcafé Thuys is only open for to-go but when things are back to normal this café is going to have such a welcoming, serene interior and outside terrace again.
What’s on the menu?
Despite my good intentions, I always find it impossible to resist the sweet treats display. A brownie or slice of carrot cake just goes so well with my cappuccino.😉 I’ve never tried anything on the savoury menu but I have seen other people’s purchases and they look so delicious.
The historic building got a complete interior makeover and the café has been transformed into a light, airy yet cosy space with exposed wooden beams and a magnificent stained glass window showpiece.
Oodles of history
The café is situated in what was was the chapel, the oldest part of the building complex. For about 700 years the building housed an asylum. It was home to people who were considered unfit to live in everyday society. People with contagious diseases such as leprosy or those with psychiatric conditions were sent to live in Het Dolhuys (“The Crazy House”). But I don’t want to tell you too much about the museum now – as soon as it’s open again I’ll visit and write about it. 💛
Shop while getting good coffee in the park
It sells a selection of quirky goodies that could make excellent gifts. I love the colourful branded mugs – they would be just perfect for camping or picnics.
Words on windows
I enjoyed these quotes written on the windows. It gives you something to think and talk about. This one translates to: “Life is more like Monday morning than Saturday evening.”
I’m so happy that my good coffee in the park ritual is back on track! I also can’t wait to experience the new interior and visit this extraordinary museum.
If you’re in the Haarlem City centre on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, try a to-go coffee from Coffee Habits speciality coffee.
Explore the area around the Bakenessergracht. It is a bit off the beaten track but worth it! In this area you can see the Girl with a Pearl Earring as street art and the historic Haarlem bread and flour factory facade.
How to find it
Museumcafé Thuys
Schotersingel 2
2021 GE Haarlem
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