Local Area

The Mauritshuis displays the best of 17th-century Dutch painting. The compact and world-famous collection is located in the heart of The Hague. Masterpieces such as Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring , The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, The Goldfinch by Fabritius and The Bull by Potter are on permanent display in the intimate museum rooms of the seventeenth-century monument.

Experience a different side of The Hague when you venture down to Scheveningen beach, a relaxed seaside resort perfect for surfing and bathing. Street food vans, craft beers and attractions line this sandy seascape.

Holland's highlights and heritage. What makes the small country of the Netherlands so great? Discover this and more at Madurodam, a small city full of beautiful miniatures, playful activities and the best attractions.

Step through the famous entry gate into the historical Binnenhof (Inner Court) in the heart of our democracy. This is the place where the most important events in the nation's history took place. It is also where the future is created. The Inner Court in The Hague is studded with monumental old buildings testifying of eight centuries of governing in the Low Countries, but it also has several ample open spaces, all freely open to the public. The Binnenhof is a must-see if you are in The Hague.

The Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands) houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the United Nations International Court of Justice and The Hague Academy of International Law. These institutions are supported by the Library of the Peace Palace, one of the most prestigious libraries in its field. The Carnegie Foundation is the owner and manager of the Peace Palace.

The Palace Garden ('Paleistuin') is one of The Hague's hidden gems. This romantic park with flowerbeds, fountains, hedgerows and ponds lies directly behind Noordeinde Palace. Every day the inhabitants of The Hague gather in this quiet oasis. On warm days, adults seek shade amongst the trees, children play in the grass and amorous couples enjoy a picnic in the park.

The King uses Palace Noordeinde as a working palace. The working quarters of the King and Queen Máxima are located here. Most of the employees of the Office of the Royal Household also work at Palace Noordeinde. Every year, many receptions and audiences take place at the palace. The King also receives foreign ambassadors there for the presentation of their credentials. On Princes Day, the Royal procession departs from the palace and the so-called balcony scene takes place on the balcony

Kunstmuseum Den Haag (formerly Gemeentemuseum), designed by Dutch architect Hendrik Berlage is a milestone in contemporary architecture. The museum is most especially known for Mondriaan's work. This collection includes his early, realistic pieces as well as the piece de resistance, Victory Boogie Woogie.

Museum Escher in The Palace is a permanent exhibition in The Hague dedicated to the world-famous artist M.C. Escher, whose art startled millions of people all over the world. The collection is housed in the former Winter Palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands.

Panorama Mesdag in The Hague is the largest circular canvas in Europe. Look 360º around you and experience the magical optical illusion created by this panorama of Scheveningen from 1881 in Museum Panorama Mesdag. The view is never the same; the incidence of light is more than magnificent and changes from moment to moment. The vista of the sea, dunes and old fishermen's village Scheveningen was painted by H.W. Mesdag. Panorama Mesdag is a unique cultural historical monument.

See The Hague from a completely different side: from the water! This is a unique cruise on the canals of The Hague dating from the 14th century. While sailing you can enjoy stories about The Hague: Hofstad, Government Center, Royal City and City of Peace & Justice. A guide is always present on board De Ooievaart. These are volunteers who share their stories with passion. They will certainly surprise you with their enthusiastic stories about The Hague's sights.