Kees de Jongen with his Zwembadpas (swimming pool walk), there is probably no Dutch adult who does not know him. Many Dutch persons are grown up with this book of Theo Thijssen, about the young Kees and his imaginative fantasy. The Theo Thijssen Museum is a small museum, dedicated to the Amsterdam writer, teacher, union man and social democratic politician Theo Thijssen (1879-1943). In the museum in the middle of the Jordaan area you will find manuscripts, first editions, photos, drawings, visuals, audio material and personal belongings of Thijssen. When you are in the neighbourhood and you have heard of him, it is worth to take a visit to this museum. The entrance fee cannot withhold you from visiting: € 3,00 per adult and € 2,00 per child.
Exhibitions, store and guided walks
In addition to the permanent exhibition, which illustrates Thijssen's own life, changing exhibitions give an impression of his social environment and areas of work (daily life in the Jordaan at the end of the last century, education in Thijssen's time, socialism and politics in the first half of the 20th century). There are also various items for sale in the museum; not only the books by and about Theo Thijssen (now also the English translation "Kees, the boy" has been published lately!), but also beautiful copies about the Jordaan and other articles including postcards, prints and a linen bag with Theo Thijssen on it. The museum regularly organizes walks through Amsterdam with Theo Thijssen as its main theme. These walks take about 2,5 hours and you can join them for a fee of € 7,50 - € 10,00 per person.
Become a friend of Theo Thijssen
The museum income does not cover the costs by far; the museum cannot survive without the efforts of volunteers and donors. All contributions, never mind how small, are very welcome, but those who donates € 10,00 or more automatically become a member of Theo Thijssen Friends' Association: they receive the Theo Thijssen Bulletin about twice a year and have free access to the museum. Do you also become a Friend of Theo Thijssen and herewith support this small special museum?
