For a century and a half, the elite of ‘Amsterdammers’ have been riding horses at this manège. The Hollandsche Manege is the oldest riding school in the Netherlands, dating back to 1744. It is located right in the center of Amsterdam, a stone’s throw from Leidseplein, adjacent to Vondelpark and somewhat hidden behind an inconspicuous entrance gate.
In 2020, the building was fully restored and the manège is now open to everyone. The public has the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes and discover all the glorious history as it is a museum as well. Since I know nothing about horses, I was excited to visit and smell the horses!
The Living Horse Museum or Levend Paardenmuseum (in Dutch) still has all that 19th-century allure. It all came to life learning about equestrian art, horse husbandry and riding accessories as I ventured from room to room.
I stood there admiring the huge Theatrical Riding Hall. Someone was in the midst of her riding lesson and I could observe quietly. I would never have imagined a venue like this tucked in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I can only imagine the performances from back in the days while the orchestra played on. Must have been quite a spectacle!
The building’s architecture was visibly glorious. The architect A.L. van Gendt used materials such as cast iron, zinc and Portland cement, which were modern materials at the time. The ornamentation of the Hollandsche Manege was carried out in a number of styles such as Dutch Renaissance, classicism and Renaissance. The design was inspired by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
My favorite spot has to be the view from the balcony.
From up here, you would understand the cultural-historical value of this building. The richly ornate interior is filled with columns crowned with horses’ heads, a cartouche with Amsterdam’s coat of arms, frieze with stuccoed garlands encircles the entire riding hall, beautiful balustrades and not forgetting the cast-iron roof trusses are to be admired too. It was splendid! Can you believe this is actually a museum?
Besides the riding school and the museum, Hollandsche Manege presents carousel demonstrations, Side Saddle Show, every Sunday performed by the Vondel Carousel, at 1:30pm. It is a 30-minute show honoring the age old tradition where the ladies ride on a side saddle, with the gentlemen on their right. Tickets are available at the door; €12.50 for 12 years and above and €8.50 for kids under 12 years old.
Additionally, you can make reservation for a high tea session (€29.50 pp + €5.00 museum entry) to be enjoyed during this demonstration in style at this historical balcony.
With a valid museum entry ticket, one can wander around the stables. Be aware that horses and riders have the right of way. You should keep a distance from the horses as well.
My visit to the Living Horse Museum lasted a short 45 minutes. It was an interesting trip for sure. But I wonder about the upkeep and living conditions of these horses without a field nearby. 🤔
📍De Hollandsche Manege / The Living Horse Museum
Website: https://www.levendpaardenmuseum.nl/about-us
Address: Vondelstraat 140. 1054 GT Amsterdam.
Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday – Sunday 11am to 5pm.
Entrance Fees: €12.50 for 12 years and above and €8.00 for kids 3-12 years old. Kids under 3 years old are FREE. FREE entry with Museumkaart.
Getting There: Take tram 12 alight at Leidseplein and then walk about 10 minutes. Take tram 3 alight at Overtoom and then walk further 5 minutes.