Rembrandt House Museum
The house where Rembrandt lived between 1639 and 1658 is a museum: Museum het Rembrandthuis or the Rembrandt House Museum.
In 1639 Rembrandt signed a contract governing the payment for the purchase of the house. At this time Rembrandt had already established his reputation as an artist. In the same year he bought the house, he was awarded the prestigious commission to paint the Night Watch. Although he was earning a lot of money, Rembrandt was unable—or unwilling—to pay off the mortgage. This was eventually to bring about his financial downfall. Between 1652 and 1656 Rembrandt made frantic attempts to get his hands on money to pay off his debt. He did not succeed and was forced into bankruptcy. In 1656 Rembrandt’s property was inventoried for the benefit of his creditors, and his household effects and collection of art and curiosities were sold.
The museum, which opened in 1911, exhibits (on a rotating basis) a nearly complete collection of Rembrandt's etchings. The house itself was restored and furnished in 1998-99 to its appearance during Rembrandt's tenure.
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