Embassy of the Free Mind: Museum in Grachtengordel, Amsterdam

The Embassy of the Free Mind is a museum and library of alchemy, mysticism and free thought in the House with the Heads, a 1622 canal house at Keizersgracht 123 in Amsterdam. Go for the rare books, the strange engravings and a walled garden in the middle of the Grachtengordel. At its heart is the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica, more than 28,000 volumes, among them 5,000 manuscripts, on Hermetic philosophy, Kabbalah, Rosicrucianism and astrology. Businessman Joost R. Ritman built the collection and opened it as a library in 1984, and in 2022 it was added to UNESCO's Dutch Memory of the World register. Illustrations from the books fill the Grand Hall, the Grail Room shows Oleg An's lacquer work The Grail of Amsterdam, and the Reading Room keeps the post-1900 books on open shelves. Exhibitions, lectures and yoga fill the rest of the calendar. The house is named after the six heads of classical gods on its façade, and the design is attributed to Hendrick de Keyser, who died the year before it was finished. It was home to Louis de Geer and his son Laurens, whose library held titles now back on these shelves. The Embassy moved in during 2017. The cafe and the garden can be visited without a museum ticket. Note that there is no lift, so the museum is not accessible to wheelchairs, strollers or walkers. Booking ahead is advised, though tickets are usually also sold at the door. Entry is free with a Museumkaart, Stadspas, I amsterdam City Card, ICOM card or EFM membership. Payment is by card only. Small bags and coats go in the free lockers near the entrance, and large luggage is not allowed. Pets stay out, but assistance dogs are welcome.