Anniversary of Jan Steen

The anniversary year of Jan Steen

In 2026 Leiden celebrates the anniversary of the birth of the famous Dutch painter Jan Steen (1626-1679).

As a born Leidenaar Jan Steen lived near the Pieterskerk during the last years of his life, where he managed an inn, was elected head of the artists guild of Saint Luke, and naturally kept painting as well. After his passing in 1679 he was interred in the family grave near the choir of the Pieterskerk, where during an earlier anniversary celebration in 1926 a new commemorative plaque was placed on a pillar next to the family tombstone.

During the anniversary year a presentation will be on show next to the tombstone of Jan Steen and his family in the ambulatory. It remains one of the most important spots where Jan Steen is remembered in the Netherlands.

The anniversary year starts with the opening of the exhibition Thuis bij Jan Steen – 400 jaar leven in de brouwerij in Museum De Lakenhal on 2 April 2026. Several activities will be organised by Leiden&Partners and the Stichting Jan Steendorp Warmond as well.