Museums in The Hague

A medieval prison museum in the heart of The Hague with a genuinely dark history. The original torture chamber, cells and instruments are preserved. One of the most visceral and memorable historical museums in the Netherlands – the contrast with the elegant surroundings of the Binnenhof makes it all the more striking.

A unique 19th-century circular panorama painting depicting Scheveningen village and the North Sea coast as it looked in 1881. At 14 metres high and 120 metres in circumference it is the largest 19th-century panorama still in its original location in the world. An extraordinary and completely unexpected experience – you stand in the centre and the painting wraps around you 360 degrees.

The history of The Hague from its origins as a hunting ground of the Dutch counts to its modern identity as a diplomatic and judicial capital. Housed in a beautiful 17th-century building on the Korte Vijverberg overlooking the Hofvijver. Well curated and accessible.

See entry 05 above – the Prison Gate is one museum not to miss.

The Louwman Museum in Wassenaar houses one of the world’s largest private collections of historic automobiles – over 230 vehicles from 1886 to 1970. The collection ranges from the earliest steam and electric vehicles to postwar classics. An extraordinary spectacle even for those with no particular interest in cars.

Now part of the Kunstmuseum complex, the original Gemeentemuseum building houses the applied arts and design collections alongside the fine art. The decorative arts collection – furniture, ceramics, glass and textiles – spans several centuries of Dutch design history.

Adjacent to the Kunstmuseum, GEM focuses on contemporary and media art with a strong programme of solo exhibitions by emerging and established international artists. More experimental than the Kunstmuseum’s programme and a good indicator of what is current in the Dutch and international art world.

Also part of the Kunstmuseum complex, the photography museum runs a strong programme of international photography exhibitions. A smaller, more focused experience than Amsterdam’s Foam but consistently high quality.

The Prince Claus Fund supports artists and cultural organisations in developing countries and periodically presents exhibitions in The Hague. Check their programme for current exhibitions – often thought-provoking and different from the mainstream museum circuit.

A miniature park recreating famous Dutch landmarks and landscapes at 1:25 scale. Canal houses, tulip fields, the Delta Works, windmills, Schiphol airport – all meticulously detailed. More engaging for adults than expected and genuinely excellent for families. Named after George Maduro, a Dutch Jewish resistance fighter who died in Dachau.

One of the world’s largest private collections of historic automobiles – over 230 vehicles from 1886 to the present. From the earliest steam cars to prewar Bugattis to postwar classics. The building itself is spectacular. A genuinely extraordinary experience even for those with no particular interest in cars.

The oldest museum in The Hague, founded in 1848. A beautiful 19th-century townhouse containing a remarkable collection of medieval illuminated manuscripts, rare books and objects. One of the most intimate and least-visited significant museums in the city – a genuine hidden gem.

A science and natural history museum combined with one of Europe’s largest domed IMAX theatres. The Museon covers earth sciences, natural history and human culture through interactive displays. The Omniversum dome films are shown throughout the day and are spectacular in scale.

The visitor centre of the International Court of Justice gives a free introduction to international law, the history of the Peace Palace and the significance of The Hague as the world’s legal capital. Guided interior tours of the palace itself run on selected days and are worth booking. The building, opened in 1913, is magnificent.

The oldest public art gallery in the Netherlands, opened in 1774. A single long hall covered floor to ceiling with 17th and 18th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings in the style of a private collection of the period. An extraordinary experience – the sheer density of paintings on every wall is unlike any other gallery in the country.

Founded in 1847, Pulchri Studio is one of the oldest artists’ associations in the Netherlands. The gallery on the Lange Voorhout hosts regular exhibitions of work by its members – both established and emerging Dutch artists. The programme changes frequently and the setting in a beautiful Lange Voorhout townhouse is excellent.

The Hague’s centre for architecture, urban development and visual arts. Stroom runs exhibitions, events and public projects focused on the built environment and city culture. Free to enter, programme changes regularly and often raises genuinely interesting questions about The Hague as a city.