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Museum Beeckestijn
Very near to the historic village of Velsen, only a few kilometers from Haarlem, the dunes,
the beach and the sea, lies the stately country estate Beeckestijn. Lying on the edge of a
wide area with numerous estates, Beeckestijn is one of the most well-preserved 18th century country estates in the Netherlands.
In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries Beeckestijn was the summer residence of rich
Amsterdam merchants and governors. Around the year 1720 the mansion was given
its present rich form, while the old gardens surrounding the mansion were expanded
and redesigned their baroque-style.
In the year 1742 the estate came into the possession of Jacob Boreel Jansz. Th Boreel
family owned the estate until 1953, when the heirs sold the house and surrounding
grounds to the municipality of Velsen. Buildings and gardens were in a desolate shape.
The municipality started the restauration of the complex and opened it for visitors.
Within the mansion 18th and early 19th century period-rooms can be visited. They clearly illustrate the life at a country estate such as Beeckestijn. The famous fan
collection, once owned by the Amsterdam collector Felix Tal, also belongs to the
permanent exhibition.
The gardens of Beeckestijn can be regarded as an ‘open air' museum. The combination
of two different garden styles - the geometrical gardens in baroque style and the more
open and playful landscape style- is unique in the Netherlands. Restauration of the
gardens started in 1969. In several stages they will be brought back to their original 18th century form. In the gardens you will find a berceau, a herb garden with winding
walls, a flower fan and a cherry orchard. The gardens also contain several ornaments:
ponds, beautiful garden statues and original 18th century elements like an ice cellar
and a gardener's lodge like a neo-gothic chapel.
A very special way of getting to know Beeckestijn is by taking part in a reception by the
18th century inhabitants of Beeckestijn, the right honourable Willem Boreel, his wife
Maria Trip and her maidservant Saar. Actors in genuine historical clothing take you back
in time and tell you all about daily life in the 18th century. These receptions in the Boreel family mansion take place every first Sunday of the month at 1, 2, and 3pm. (reservation
is recommended). These receptions can also be held on special request.
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