Explora la cultura de The Hague (Den Haag): Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de The Hague (Den Haag) a través de sus museos y monumentos.
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Mauritshuis
The Hague is the majestic center of the government of the Netherlands and the world capital of peace and justice. Unlike bustling Amsterdam, The Hague projects an atmosphere of stately elegance, with wide avenues, royal palaces and historic embassies. It is a city where decisions that affect the entire world are made in institutions such as the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court. However, this seriousness is balanced by a vibrant cultural scene, world-class museums housing masterpieces by Vermeer and Mondrian, and the North Sea breeze in its lively coastal district of Scheveningen. It is a sophisticated, international and surprisingly green city.
Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of The Hague (Den Haag)
A world-class cultural offer, especially in art from the Dutch Golden Age and De Stijl.
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Museums & Galleries
Mauritshuis
An exquisite museum in a 17th-century palace that houses a collection of masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' and Rembrandt's 'The Anatomy Lesson'.
Binnenhof and Ridderzaal
The heart of Dutch democracy for 800 years. An impressive complex of government buildings around a courtyard, with the Ridderzaal (Knights' Hall) as the centerpiece.
Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)
The headquarters of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. An iconic building financed by Andrew Carnegie, a symbol of world peace and justice.
Kunstmuseum Den Haag
A stunning Art Deco building that houses the largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian in the world, as well as a vast collection of modern art, fashion and decorative arts.
Festivals & Events
The Hague Spring Festival
AprilAnnual celebration that marks the start of the tourist season in The Hague.
White Night in The Hague
SeptemberA special night where museums and monuments open their doors for free.
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History
Origins
The history of The Hague did not begin as a city, but as a hunting lodge of the Counts of Holland in the 13th century, next to a pond that would become the current 'Hofvijver'.
Development
This hunting lodge grew to become the Binnenhof, the complex of buildings that has been the center of political power in the Netherlands for more than 800 years. Although it never officially received city rights, it became the de facto seat of government. Its international status was cemented in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the Hague Peace Conferences, which led to the construction of the iconic Peace Palace.
Modern era
After World War II, The Hague solidified its global role by becoming the headquarters of the UN International Court of Justice and, later, other international legal institutions. Today, it is a cosmopolitan city, home to the Dutch Royal Family, a vast diplomatic corps and a thriving expatriate community, combining its important global role with a high quality of life.
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Culture
A world-class cultural offer, especially in art from the Dutch Golden Age and De Stijl.
Heritage
The center of Dutch power for 800 years and the birthplace of modern international law.
Architecture
An elegant mix of historic government architecture, royal palaces, stately embassies and a modern skyline.
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Visit the Hofvijver at night
The pond next to the Binnenhof is beautiful during the day, but at night, when the historic buildings are illuminated and reflected in the water, it is a magical and peaceful place.
Ride a bike through the dunes
Rent a bike and ride the extensive network of cycle paths that criss-cross the dune park between The Hague and Scheveningen. It's a quintessential Dutch experience and gets you away from the crowds.
Respect the bike lanes
They are the domain of cyclists. Never walk or stop in a bike lane (usually red). The cyclists go fast and won't stop.
tap water
It is of exceptional quality and perfectly safe to drink.
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