Princessehof Palace

The building now known as the Princessehof was constructed in 1693. It owes its name to Princess Marie Louise of Hesse-Kassel, the consort of Prince John William Friso of Nassau-Dietz, who served as stadtholder of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe. After her husband's death, the princess assumed regency for her son. In 1731, she acquired the property on Grote Kerkstraat and had it expanded into the Princessehof. Her personal ceramics collection formed the foundation of the current museum. Later, the palace was divided into three separate houses. In the middle section of the house, the graphic artist M. C. Escher was born in 1898. In 1917, notary Nanne Ottema founded the Ceramics Museum in this building, which has since showcased its collection.

Today, the Princessehof serves as a museum dedicated to ceramic and porcelain art. Here are diverse collections, including Princess Marie Louise's historical ceramics collection, displayed in the Baroque-style Nassaukamer. The museum also features the collection of Asian ceramics and porcelains from the Ottema-Kingma Foundation, as well as European porcelains and ceramics, including works of Dutch Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Regular temporary exhibitions complement the offerings.