Since 1913, this museum has occupied the former hospice for the elderly (1608). Devoted mainly to the work of Frans Hals, paintings of civic guards and regents give visitors a clear idea of his evolution as a painter. The museum also has many works by other painters: old paintings, the Haarlem School (17 C), modern and contemporary Dutch paintings. The Frans Halsmuseum also contains a beautiful collection of decorative arts (notably furniture) and a replica 18C dolls’ house.