ABOUT THE MUSEUM Embark on a journey of discovery through 2,000 years of accumulated wisdom, inspired by the images and texts from the collection of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica. The Embassy of the Free Mind is a museum and offers a journey of discovery through a hidden, yet inspiring tradition of free thinking that is over two thousand years old. The books and pictures in our collection are largely written and created by people who did not let the church or the authorities tell them what to think. They themselves went in search of answers to questions such as: where do we come from? How did everything come about? Why are we here? What does it mean to be human? They started from the idea that everything in the universe is connected. Our collection includes books and images on Hermetic philosophy, alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Kabbalah, mysticism, magic, astrology, tarot, Sufism, Taoism, and more. Philosophers and freethinkers who have played a role in Amsterdam, such as Spinoza, Coornhert, Adriaan Koerbagh and Jan Amos Comenius, also have a place on our shelves. The Embassy of the Free Mind is located in the House with the Heads on the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam, a historic canal house that was built in 1622. What can you do with us? - tours - self guided tours - audio tour - enjoy food & drinks in the café - sitting in the garden - reading in the reading room - follow an old book tour - visit the exhibition space - talk to free spirits - follow lectures, workshops and courses
Specialized & Alternative Nature & Natural History Music Modern art Miscellaneous Language & Literature Religion Historic house Renaissance art & Early modern art Person & Artist Astronomy Ancient art Botanical garden Children Plants
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Keizersgracht 123, Amsterdam
Permanent exhibition
7 May 2022 – 31 Jul 2022
22 Dec 2021 – 24 Apr 2022
17 Sept 2021 – 19 Dec 2021
14 Dec 2019 – 14 Mar 2020
13 Jun 2019 – 16 Nov 2019
17 Dec 2018 – 17 Feb 2019
28 Sept 2018 – 24 Nov 2018
13 Jun 2018 – 28 Jul 2018
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The Embassy of the Free Mind, located in Amsterdam, offers visitors an intriguing journey into the world of hermetic philosophy and esoteric knowledge. Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century canal house, this museum presents a collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artworks that explore the intersection of science, spirituality, and philosophy.
Visitors often praise the museum's atmospheric setting and the carefully curated exhibits that provide insight into the history of Western esotericism. The knowledgeable staff and audio guides are frequently mentioned as assets, helping to explain complex concepts and the significance of the displayed items.
Many reviewers appreciate the museum's focus on promoting free thinking and encouraging visitors to explore different perspectives on knowledge and spirituality. The library, with its extensive collection of historical texts, is a highlight for many guests.
However, some visitors note that the museum might not appeal to everyone, as its subject matter is quite specialized and can be challenging to grasp without prior interest or knowledge in the field. A few reviewers mention that the exhibition space is relatively small, which may not justify the entry price for some visitors.
The museum's location in the heart of Amsterdam is generally seen as a positive, allowing easy access and the opportunity to combine the visit with other nearby attractions.
Overall, the Embassy of the Free Mind offers a thought-provoking and unique experience for those interested in esoteric philosophy and the history of ideas, though it may not be suitable for all tourists visiting Amsterdam.
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