Today, Volendam is a renowned tourist destination in the Netherlands, nestled along the waterfront and close to Amsterdam. Its charm as a traditional fishing village, brimming with folklore and Dutch historical costumes, attracts visitors from all over the world. However, in the late 19th century, Volendam wasn’t nearly as famous. In fact, it was Leendert Spaander, a local man, and his wife Aaltje who can be credited with first inviting “tourists” to the village – not the usual travelers, but artists. These artists sought authentic, traditional scenes to capture on canvas, and they found an abundance of inspiration in Volendam.

Understanding their need for a space to work, sleep, and connect with each other, Leendert offered his home to the artists. But as their numbers grew, the house quickly became too small. So, Leendert purchased a small pub by the embankment and transformed it into a hotel, offering the perfect haven for these creative minds. Before long, artists from across the globe flocked to Volendam, each bringing their unique techniques and perspectives. The hotel became a vibrant meeting place for artistic exchange, with the ideas and styles that flowed there evident in the many paintings still displayed in the hotel today.