Better known by the pen name Multatuli (Latin for 'I have suffered greatly'), writer Eduard Douwes Dekker is most recognised for Max Havelaar (1860), his novel about corrupt colonialists in the Dutch East Indies. This small but fascinating house-museum chronicles his life and work, and shows furniture and artefacts from his time in Indonesia.

Dekker worked in colonial administration in Batavia (now Jakarta), and the book made him something of a social conscience for the Netherlands.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Poezenboot

0.1 MILES

Cat-lovers may want to check out this quirky boat on the Singel. It was founded in 1966 by a local woman who became legendary for looking after several…

2. Ronde Lutherse Kerk

0.11 MILES

Built between 1668 and 1671, this domed church has the curious distinction of being the only round Protestant church in the country. Falling attendance…

3. Narrow House

0.12 MILES

It's often said that this house – which at 1.1m appears to be no wider than its door – has the narrowest facade in the city. But don't be deceived: the…

4. Greenland Warehouses

0.13 MILES

The distinctive red-shuttered Greenland Warehouses were built in 1620. Whale oil was a sought-after ingredient for soap, lamp oil and paint, and wells…

5. De Rode Hoed

0.16 MILES

Occupying three glorious 17th-century canal houses – which once sheltered the Vrijburg, the largest clandestine church in the Netherlands – this cultural…

6. Huis Met de Hoofden

0.16 MILES

A whimsical example of Dutch Renaissance style, this 1622 canal house designed by Hendrick de Keyser and his son Pieter has a beautiful step gable with…

7. West-Indisch Huis

0.17 MILES

Built in 1617 as a meat market and militia barracks, this historical building was rented by the Dutch West India Company (Geoctroyeerde West-Indische…

8. Van Brienenhofje

0.18 MILES

This charming hofje (courtyard) was named in the late 18th century for Jan van Brienen, who bought the Star Brewery located here, one of 13 breweries in…