At Home in the 17th Century

A major exhibition on domestic life in the 1600s, the time of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. The exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of families, parents and children from all walks of life more than three centuries ago. Designed by Dutch artist Steef de Jong utilizing cardboard, the 9 diorama-style galleries in the Philips Wing offer visitors an immersive experience to follow 17th-century home life over the course of an entire day – from early morning till late evening. The centrepieces of the exhibition are the famous doll's houses belonging to Petronella Oortman and Petronella Dunois. The exhibition presents highlights from the decorative arts alongside objects that were found in every household, featuring the Oortman doll's house that inspired the book and drama The Miniaturist, with an audio guide narrated by Helena Bonham Carter. The exhibition zooms in on the lives of a variety of people, such as the Boudaen Courten family from Zeeland province and the Utrecht artist Joachim Wtewael.