Albert Heijn Museum Shop, Zaandam

The Albert Heijn Museum Shop offers visitors a captivating journey back in time to the origins of a grocery store that has become an iconic part of Dutch culture. The museum shop is a faithful reconstruction of the very first Albert Heijn store, which originally opened its doors in Oostzaan in 1887.

Located within a centuries-old wooden building from the Zaan region, the museum's primary goal is to preserve and showcase the historical heritage of this beloved grocery brand. The meticulously reconstructed store, opened on May 23, 1967, serves as a tribute to the store's roots, as the original Oostzaan location no longer exists. Spanning 36 square meters, the museum shop is slightly larger than its historical counterpart and stands at a height of 2.80 meters. The attention to detail in recreating this historic grocery store is evident in every aspect, offering a genuine glimpse into the past.

Adjacent to the shop, a building dating back to 1750 provides insight into the living conditions of the store manager during that era. This construction closely mirrors the setup of the original store, where Albert Heijn and his family resided in similar compact living quarters behind the shop.

Today, the Albert Heijn Museum Shop is open to the public free of charge, welcoming between 125,000 and 150,000 visitors each year. The dedicated team of volunteers has grown from two to ten, and the shop's opening hours have been significantly extended to accommodate the growing interest in this historical gem.

While entrance fees are no longer charged, the shop generates revenue through the sale of select groceries, old Dutch candies, posters, and DVDs. This unique museum not only preserves the heritage of a beloved Dutch institution but also provides an educational and nostalgic experience for visitors from all walks of life.