Regent's room Arend Maartenshof. The poor man's court from 1625 was founded by Arend Maartenszoon. The entrance is through the stone gate. Immediately on the right is the Regentenkamer. The interior dates from 1700, with a portrait gallery (of the founder and regents who ran the hofje in the 17th century), painting above the mantelpiece and ceiling painting by Arnold Houbraken (1660 - 1719). The paintings refer to the good deed that Arend Maartenszoon did by building this court, which consists of 38 houses around a courtyard with old trees and a well. Also note the various Bible sayings in the Arend Regent's room. The Arend Maartenszhof was founded in 1625 by Arend Maartenszoon in an attempt to shake off his bad reputation in the city. He had 38 houses built that provided a safe haven for destitute women and widows. Since the 1980s, the rules of admission to the houses have been relaxed. But two of the old founder's rules remain in place: the residents must be of impeccable character and they must take loving care of the living environment. The entrance to the hofje is through the richly decorated Renaissance gate on Museumstraat. Visitors are welcomed with the words 'Naeckt kom ick, naeckt scheyde ick'. The saying 'Vita Vapor' ('life is a vapour') can also be read on the sandstone gate. Immediately to the right is a small museum: the Regent's Room. The interior dates from 1700, with a portrait gallery of the founder and regents who ran the court in the 17th century, a painting above the mantelpiece and a ceiling fresco by Arnold Houbraken.
- Year built: 1625
- Style of architecture: a.o. Neo-Gothic, XVIII and XVII
- Original function: Arme Vrouwenhof
