Surroundings

Nieuwe Gracht is located in the heart of the historic city centre with numerous shops and restaurants within walking distance. City parks De Bolwerken and Kenaupark are also within walking distance. The canal flows into the Spaarne; on nice days, it is pleasantly busy both on and alongside the water.

History

The Nieuwe Gracht was dug in 1390 as part of the expansion of the historic city centre. Several warehouses and trading houses sprang up along the canal, contributing to Haarlem’s prosperity and economic growth.

Nieuwe Gracht 74-76 has a particularly rich history. In fact, the property is the birthplace of the extraordinary Kopskamer, now on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The original reception room was designed around 1790 by Abraham van der Hart for the very wealthy yarn merchant Willem Philip Kops.

Until 1906, the room remained in its original spot in Haarlem. In that year, the room was auctioned off and the panelling and interior went to a property in The Hague. Shortly after World War II, the Rijksmuseum buys the Kops room. It has been on display there since 1962, in its original Haarlem setting.