Hermetic Library Reviews

It was recommended to me by a good friend. The building is spectacular and the interior garden is discreet and simple. Good bookstore and good coffee.

Very few places like this in the world. A mix of museum and book collection, ancient and modern. Books like the enormous, illustrated and endlessly fascinating "Secret Teachings for All Ages" can easily take an afternoon. Enjoy... and make friends on the tours!

Great collection of Western esoteric books! Some
Good exhibitions too. A must see if you are in Amsterdam.

Tucked discreetly away in a non-descript narrow street of Amsterdam's Jordaan district, this amazing library/museum is cloaked in the inconspicuous, low-key charm of the neighborhood; small stores and flats shoulder to shoulder. Without the small brass panel near the door, this gem of a library would be nearly impossible to find..perhaps destiny seeks those who eventually find this space.

This magical journey begins with a press of the buzzer and the automatic door opening to this treasure trove of ancient illuminated, theosophical/philosophical and alchemical texts. This collection represents the life-long passion of Mr. Joost Ritman a local businessman and Rosicrucian. It is truly a national treasure, in my opinion on par with the Rembrandts of the nearby Rijksmuseum.

So who might find this museum intriguing? In my case, my interest in Carl Jung's idea of the 'Collective Sub-conscious' and the ancient symbols, archetypes and metaphors common to us all. For others perhaps an interest in ancient illuminated, 16th, 17th, 18th century texts. Indeed European History of Philosophy aficionados. Those with an interest in Dan Brown's books or Umberto Eco novels might find the library particularly intriguing.

On the other hand, this library is in my opinion not for large groups wishing to tick the box on places visited in Amsterdam. There are indeed plenty of museums to accommodate such groups.

I'm an American who's lived in Amsterdam for nearly 13 years and only recently discovered the Ritman. An exceptional find!

A charming, quiet and luxurious place where you can read the old precious books from another period time and feed your mind with the beautiness of it ! Don't hesitate to make a visitation, it really worth of it

Fantastic collection, the most complete I have ever known about mysticism-hermeticism, a must for anyone who passes through Amsterdam.

What an amazing place! One of my favorite places on Earth to visit. Be prepared to spend a lot of time here. Don t just stop in, make yourself comfortable and stick around for awhile.

I love this place! Thanks to Dan Brown for this huge investment! It is a must to visit in Holland

The Embassy of the Free Mind is a library, museum and a platform for free thinking ! Saw a lot of very valuable paintings and old text here! Allow to take pictures of all the paintings and read the books! Amazing place!

What a waste of time and money. There are two exhibit rooms downstairs both with reproductions of artwork. Upstairs there are books on display but not many. For 12.50 Euros I expected something better that what we saw.

A wonderful and magical place in the middle of Amsterdam at the canals. The staff were very nice and helped us with questions. There are many very interesting books on alchemy, hermetic, white magic, Rosicrucian, Masonic, etc. To our astonishment, most of the books were German books, so we had no problems with the content. On the walls hang many exciting pictures and drawings and the interior is very beautiful. Below are postcards, books, etc. to buy and a small stylish coffee in the style of the library. If we are close again, we will definitely come back! :-)

Inspiring place in the middle of the city. Nice reading attended. Very large courtyard.

If you love life , interested to explore more ... a must go place ! Many good books and nice paintings ! Very interesting