Why does this house feel so different? This is the Collectie Six. It’s not just another Amsterdam art museum. It’s a living, breathing home.
The Collectie Six offers something rare. Its valuable paintings are housed where real people still reside. Imagine bumping into a descendant of Jan Six himself. He might be on his way to breakfast.
During the Dutch Golden Age, art collecting became fashionable. Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Steen were popular artists. Jan Six, from a wealthy family, began his collection. It has been passed down through generations. Today, it’s known as the Collectie Six.
The family’s wealth allowed them to commission portraits. Rembrandt painted some of them himself. Maintaining this collection became costly. The Six family sought financial help from the Dutch government. In return, they opened their home to the public. Visitors could view the artwork.
Stepping inside offers a glimpse into aristocratic Dutch life. You see how they lived. You see how they preserved their heritage. The highlight is Rembrandt’s portrait of Jan Six. He was an Amsterdam mayor, writer, and art collector. Rembrandt painted it in 1654.
The artist never signed it. This suggests his friendship with the subject. The painting’s unfinished nature reveals Rembrandt’s technique. It was centuries ahead of its time. Other paintings may be less valuable. The setting, furniture, and artifacts create a unique experience at the Collectie Six.
The Six family has roots reaching back to 1032. They collected art. They preserved it. In 1908, eight valuable paintings were sold to the Dutch State. These included Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.” They are now at the Rijksmuseum.
The family moved to this stately house in 1915. Before, they lived in a bigger house on the canals. The collection offers a view into Dutch aristocratic life. You see portraits and interesting objects. Fine antique furniture remains in use by the Six family. Amsterdam covers some conservation costs. So, the family admits the public.
Visiting the Collectie Six is a treat. Reservations are needed months in advance. Visits are only possible on weekday mornings. Some famous pieces are lent to the Rijksmuseum. You can see them there if you miss a spot here.
Jan Six the Tenth still lived here once. A visitor recalled meeting him. He came downstairs and spoke with them briefly. This made the art and history come alive. Every room was ornately decorated. One room had leather art on the walls. There was a story connected to every piece.
Jan Six once shared why he opened his home. He believed such a vast art collection should be shared. Sharing also helped avoid inheritance tax. His son, Jan Six the Eleventh, is an art dealer. Imagine growing up surrounded by such famous pieces. What a legacy.
The Six Foundation was established in 1922. Jan Six VI wanted to preserve the family portraits. This foundation ensured the collection remained intact. Properties could remain together. His six children relinquished their claims. This avoided inheritance taxes. The tax authorities initially disagreed. An agreement was reached. The art and family collection had to remain together for 30 years.
The State fully supports the Six Foundation since 1957. The collection must stay together. It must be accessible to the public with limitations. Since 2000, Jan Six XI has been the curator. In 2008, a new agreement was reached with the State. This increased subsidies for maintenance. Amstel 218 was returned due to restoration issues. A supervisory board was created. It includes directors from the Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis. A family member is also a member.
The Collectie Six holds a special place in Amsterdam’s cultural landscape. Its intimate setting. Its rich history. Its living connection to the past. It offers a unique and unforgettable experience.