Culture in The Hague
The Hague is full of wonders to discover. Rich in museums, galleries, art, music, and theatre, you’ll never find yourself without something to do in The Hague.
Museums and Galleries
Take in The Hague’s wide selection of museums and galleries. The city has something for everyone, from the old masters to contemporary art. The galleries of the time-honoured Mauritshuis feature some of the world’s best-known paintings, reflecting the Netherlands’ rich history of art. It has been a museum since 1822 and its Golden Age treasures include ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ and ‘View of Delft’ by Johannes Vermeer – from nearby Delft – as well as Rembrandt’s ‘The Anatomy Lesson by Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’.
The Kunstmuseum Den Haag (previously known as the Gemeentemuseum) focuses on modern art and showcases works by Mondrian (including his most famous painting, ‘Victory Boogie Woogie’), Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, and Kandinsky. It’s also well known for its collection of works by painters of the Hague School. The current building, designed by the Dutch architect Berlage, was opened in 1935.
After stepping back in time through the paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer, lose yourself in the strange world of MC Escher at Escher in the Palace, or see art in a different way with the Panorama Mesdag.
Theatre
With its multitude of theatres, The Hague is a great place to enjoy drama, opera, ballet and contemporary dance, comedy, and cabaret. There are performances almost every day of the week at venues such as the Theater aan het Spui, Diligentia, Zuiderstrandtheater, Amare, and the Koninklijke Schouwburg.
The Hague also has theatre in other languages on offer. STET English Theatre and the Anglo-American Theatre Group (AATG) offer English-programming and L’Autre Pays du Theatre features productions in French.
Music and Festivals
The Hague has a varied and vibrant music scene, offering a range of venues plus festivals such as Parkpop. Aside from the number of music festivals that happen throughout the year, The Hague is also home to Paard van Troje (Trojan Horse), a favourite gig venue for locals and visitors alike. Check out The Hague city website for a complete calendar of musical events.
If jazz is more your jam, the Netherlands has a lot to offer too. The North Sea Jazz Festival, once a mainstay of The Hague’s cultural calendar but now held in nearby Rotterdam, is an annual summer highlight featuring an impressive line-up of acts. In The Hague itself there are always live jazz acts to discover. 2021 also saw the inauguration of the Mondrian Jazz Festival, presenting an international variety of acts.
Culture and History in Delft
The historic city of Delft is also a great place to go for a cultural experience. Find out about the origins of Delfts Blue pottery and Delft tiles and learn how the famous earthenware is made at the Royal Delft factory. Learn about one of Delft’s most celebrated residents, the painter Johannes Vermeer, at the Vermeer Centrum. And visit the Markt, a historic market square. It is framed by the Nieuwe Kerk – the final resting place of the Dutch royals, starting with William of Orange – and Prinsenhof. This palace used to be the residence of William and is now a museum dedicated to the town’s history.
You can enjoy the culture of Delft at a substantial discount with the Delftpas.
Looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Nature is never too far away when you’re in The Hague. There are beautiful natural sites to behold in all seasons. Be sure to check the weather report before heading out!
