sieboldhuis

kotoanne

Siebold is very well known in Japan, where I lived for many years, so it was a real pleasure to see his house and learn more about his life and his work. I particularly enjoyed the video interviews with his descendants, both Japanese and European. Highly recommend for those interested in Dutch (European)-Japanese relations in the 19th century.

HubertJoep

I loved all the treasures that Siebold collected when he lived in Japan. Different animals, household materials, maps, toys, etc. Great little shop too where they sell Japanese books and other gifts. The museum is rather small and a one hour visit will be sufficient.

BritseJo

Interesting insight into one man's experiences in, and passion for, Japan. The documentary provides a good overview and there are many artefacts brought from Japan 200 years ago. Lots of information in English. The house (Siebold's home for nine years) which houses the museum is beautiful. Excellent temporary photo exhibition (@October 2014).

Ulanbaatar

If you are interested in Japan and the history of the early european-japanese relationships, this is the place to go. Don't expect top-class works of japanese art but many interesting and odd objects and a good exhibition. You have to take your time to watch the movies and read the descriptions. There is a japanese antique dealer at the second floor which has a well worth seeing selection of woodblock prints for sale.

yvonneo585

Only really interesting for people with a fascination for all things Japanese. Upstairs usually interesting exhibits.

177bask

Small but beautiful presented Japanese collection and exhibitions about Japan in an historic dutch house.Siebold was a 19th century german physician, medically trained naturalist ,famous for describing Japanese culture and nature .As a servant to the netherlands-dutch east india company he was send from Java to describe Japan.In the house on Rapenburg 19, Leiden were today the museum is located an exhibition was held as early as 1837 by the above described famous occupant.On saturday Hotei art shop is open

SeimenBurum

Every child in Japan will know the name of Von Siebold as he was one of the Dutch that introduced the Japanese to western science, particularly medical science, when he lived on the former Dutch trading post Dejima in Nagasaki early 19th century. Von Siebold is credited with the introduction of vaccination and pathological anatomy for the first time in Japan.The nice but small museum is in the house that Von Siebold lived in after he returned from Japan. The permanent collection displays Von Siebolds objects and artefacts which he collected in Japan. Near the entrance you can watch a nice introduction movie. There are regular temporary exhibitions and on the top floor is a small shop that sells Japanese prints and art objects. At the back is a small garden with regular sculpture exhibitions. The museum, for obvious reasons, mainly attracts visitors from Japan and The Netherlands but should not be missed when you are in Leiden.

tarostra

This is a nice old house converted into one of those "don't touch" museums where almost everything is behind thick glass and is occasionally difficult to see clearly. It's a bit disappointing if you are (as I was) naively expecting high quality Japanese art or furniture. If you've been to Japan you'll probably have seen better.The maps, which are central to the story of Siebold in Japan, were a bit of a letdown because the ones I saw looked harmless - I suppose I am unable to really understand just how totally closed off the country was in that era. Was it worth going in? Well, yes, if you're interested in history because this was a man who loved Japan and its culture and was welcomed at a time when few other foreigners were permitted entry. The story is fascinating and for him it was also heartbreaking. While I was there (Spring 2014) there were two Japan-inspired art exhibits in the house and garden which were fun too

Lachina

This is a fascinating small museum about a man unknown to most Americans (me, at least). The museum's collection is mostly the flora, fauna, and 'ephimera' that Siebold collected during his stay in Japan. The museum isn't geared at all towards children, but any adult with a bent for history or exploration or science will enjoy it!

bnbass

The siebold house is primary a museum about Dutch-Japanese relations from a long time ago. But the extra is that you'll get to walk around in a house where it seems the doctor just popped out for lunch and will be back in a minute. It gives a glimps of life in 17th and 18th century well-to-do Holland.

TravellingMML

It was interesting, mixing old Japan with the latest inventions, however, the high entrance price is a stop to what could be a better experience!

TeeVeeBee54

very interesting if you like Japan, biology and history. great historical building the former residence of Siebold after he returned from Japan

Hiroshige

A small collection of old Japanese objects collected by Siebold in the 19th century, in a building located by a supremely picturesque canal.

Davis123

Lots of wonderful views of Japan. Nice collection, good movie to describe japan and Siebold's trips there. This is not a large museum and not one of the worlds 'great' museums but for its size & scope i really enjoy it.

Ronald_jelle

The Museum is not that big, is situated close to other attractions such as the history museum and the Hortus botanicus. The museum is not that big, but it has a nice collection of Japanese art and it also has some info about the ties between Holland and Japan, as for a long time the Dutch were the only ones that were allowed to trade with Japan. It is not the best museum you will find, but it is a nice addition to your visit of the city of leiden.