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Pilgrim Museum
A small museum with a big story
The story of the Mayflower Pilgrims is inextricably linked to Leiden.
In the 17th century, they found freedom and a new home here, before embarking on their daring voyage to America.
The museum is housed inside the former sextons’ home of the Pieterskerk Leiden. The entrance is located on the address Kloksteeg 16.
The Pilgrims in Leiden
The Pilgrims in Leiden
The Pilgrims arrived in Leiden in 1609 and lived here for almost twelve years. The city was known for its tolerance and freedom, which allowed them to practice their faith without interference. They mostly lived around the Pieterskerk, working as weavers, printers, tobacco sellers, or hatmakers. They gathered to pray in a home near the church, and their minister John Robinson was buried in the Pieterskerk in 1625.
Traces of Leiden
In 1620, part of the community left Leiden for North America. After several stops along the English coast, they finally set sail from Plymouth on the Mayflower, founding Plymouth Colony in America.
Visit the Museum
Opening hours and admission
We are open from Wednesday to Sunday, 2:00–5:00 pm. Tickets are available inside Museumcafé Pieter, at Kloksteeg 16 (card payments only).
Guided tours
Every Wednesday at 1.00 pm, a guided tour is offered. Please note that these tours are currently available in English only.
Tours fill up quickly, so we recommend reserving your place online in advance. The fee is €12.50 per person.
Private tours
Private guided tours outside regular opening hours are available for groups of up to 8 people at a fixed rate of €150 per tour. For reservations, we kindly ask you to contact us at least one week in advance via pilgrimmuseum@pieterskerk.com
Visitor information
Location
Entrance Museumcafé Pieter
Kloksteeg 16
2311 SL Leiden
Route
Find us within walking distance of Leiden Central Station. Parking is available at Haagweg with a shuttle bus service to the city center.
Discover and experience
At the Pilgrim Museum Leiden you will explore how the English Pilgrims lived during their years in this city. From original objects and documents to personal stories that make their journey to the New World tangible.
Practical information
– Combine your visit with the Pieterskerk and experience how closely the two places are intertwined. Together they tell a story of faith, courage and freedom… one that lives on to this day. The price for a combined visit to both the museum and the monument is €13.50 per person.
– The Museumkaart (Dutch Museum Card) is not (yet) valid.
– With the Sleutelpas entrance to the museum is free.
– Due to the scale of the premises and its staircases, the museum is not accessible for wheelchair users.
– Large bags and backpacks are not allowed inside. Umbrellas can be stored in the hallway during your visit.
– Dogs are not permitted in the museum.