Anyone living in the Netherlands for any amount of time knows The Hague: the embassies, the government buildings, its status as the seat of the government, and some of its well-known museums like the Mauritshuis and Madurodam. But there is much more to the city than just that. Though it doesn’t quite have the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam or the modern city vibe of Rotterdam, The Hague still mixes the traditional with the modern in a refined and unique way. And like any city that flies a bit under the radar, there are hidden gems you just might miss if you didn’t know about them.
Muzee Scheveningen is a charming, small museum that explores the history and sea life of Scheveningen. Founded in 2006, it’s set in a restored 1877 school building. Visitors start with lifelike displays that capture scenes from this former fishing village’s past, featuring ship models, period rooms, and even a recreated below-deck crew’s quarters. The museum’s Sea Room offers a colourful change, with tropical aquariums, glowing fish, ancient sea fossils, and an impressive shell collection. It’s an interesting walk back in time into the lives of fishermen and the people of this seaside community.
Of all the museums in The Hague, Escher in het Paleis is especially fascinating. This museum, housed in the 18th-century Lange Voorhout Palace (just around the corner from the King’s workplace, Noordeinde Palace), explores the brilliant mind of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher (1898-1972), famous for his optical illusions and mathematically inspired art. Visitors can walk through historic rooms once used by Queen Mother Emma (King Willem-Alexander’s great-great-grandma), while viewing Escher’s iconic works like Relativity and Metamorphosis III. You may not recognize some of the works by name, but you will remember them once you see them! On the top floor, hands-on exhibits let you explore Escher’s world, creating impossible photos, building Penrose Triangles, and interacting with his art. There’s also a gift shop with Escher-inspired mementos and a cozy museum café – a really cool stop for the whole family as you walk around the centre of the city.
After visiting the Escher museum and strolling around the centuries-old buildings of the Binnenhof and other government buildings, be sure to stop by the Gevangenpoort Museum (Prison Gate Museum). It overlooks the postcard Hofvijver pond and offers a rare glimpse into a 15th-century prison that once held criminals awaiting trial, interrogation and punishment. Originally built as an entrance gate to the Counts of Holland’s castle, it was a notorious prison from 1420 until 1828. Visitors explore the Meat Cellar, Interrogation Room, Judges’ Chamber, and even see grim torture devices like guillotines and thumb screws (yikes, these are truly terrifying). A guided tour through the cell blocks will show you the life for prisoners in their cramped cells, a lavish Knights’ Chamber for wealthy inmates, and chilling torture chambers – not for faint of heart. Just be sure to visit on the weekend if you want an English-guided tour, as they are only offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Otherwise, you’ll have to put your Dutch to the test.
A must-see for car enthusiasts, the Louwman Museum in The Hague boasts the world’s oldest and finest privately owned collection of motor cars, making it an ideal family-friendly destination. Established by Dodge importer Pieter Louwman in 1934, the collection features 250 vehicles across 10,000 m², showcasing everything from antique and classic cars to hybrids and Formula One racing models. Highlights include the 1887 De Dion Bouton, James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 and Elvis Presley’s customized Cadillac Fleetwood.
Probably one of the most overlooked museums – and one that really shouldn’t be – is Panorama Mesdag. This 360-degree cylindrical vista painting was created in 1881 by Dutch artist Hendrik Willem Mesdag, with contributions from his wife Sientje and fellow artists like Breitner. This immersive work, housed in a dedicated museum, is the Netherlands’ largest painting, at 14.5 meters high and 114.5 meters long. Visitors enter an observation gallery at its centre, giving them a realistic view of Scheveningen’s seaside village and dunes as they looked in the 19th century. Real sand, objects and hidden skylights enhance this incredible painting.
Written by Marla Thomson