The Mauritshuis in The Hague, Netherlands, is a world-renowned art museum celebrated for its exceptional collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, including Vermeer’s iconic Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Housed in a stunning 17th-century city palace, the Mauritshuis offers visitors an intimate and immersive experience with some of the most famous paintings in Western art. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, the Mauritshuis is a must-visit destination that combines culture, history, and beauty in the heart of The Hague.
History of Mauritshuis
The Mauritshuis was originally built between 1636 and 1641 as the residence of Count Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, the governor of Dutch Brazil. Designed by renowned architects Jacob van Campen and Pieter Post, the building exemplifies Dutch Classicist architecture with its symmetrical façade and elegant proportions. The palace’s original interiors featured tropical hardwoods and murals depicting Brazilian landscapes, reflecting Johan Maurits’s time in South America.
After a devastating fire in 1704, the Mauritshuis was restored and eventually purchased by the Dutch state in 1820 to house the Royal Cabinet of Paintings. The museum officially opened to the public in 1822 and celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2022. Over the centuries, the Mauritshuis has undergone several renovations, most recently between 2012 and 2014, when it was expanded and modernized while preserving its historic charm.
Attractions at Mauritshuis Art Museum
Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring: Perhaps the most famous painting in the museum, this enigmatic portrait draws visitors from around the globe.
Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp: A dramatic and innovative group portrait that showcases Rembrandt’s mastery.
Carel Fabritius’s The Goldfinch: A small but captivating painting that has inspired novels and films.
Jan Steen’s lively genre scenes and Paulus Potter’s The Bull: These works offer a glimpse into 17th-century Dutch life and artistry.
Things to Do at Mauritshuis
Take a self-guided audio tour: Download the free Mauritshuis app and bring your headphones for insightful commentary on the collection.
Join a guided tour: Available for groups, these tours provide deeper insights into the museum’s highlights and history.
Participate in workshops: The museum offers creative workshops for children and adults, including painting sessions inspired by the collection.
Visit the Brasserie Mauritshuis: Enjoy a meal or coffee in the museum’s stylish brasserie, which features dishes inspired by the art on display.
Shop for souvenirs: The museum shop offers art books, gifts, and postcards to remember your visit.
Mauritshuis – Entry Eligibility and Open Timings
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00 – 18:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
How Long to Spend at The Mauritshuis
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Mauritshuis, making it an ideal stop for a half-day visit or as part of a day trip to The Hague. The museum’s compact size allows you to see all the highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
How to Get There
- By Train:
- Den Haag Centraal Station is the nearest major train station, just a 10-minute walk (about 800 meters) from the museum.
- Trains from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Schiphol Airport reach The Hague in 30–40 minutes.
- By Tram:
- Tram lines 1, 9, 15, 16, 17, 34, and 4 stop within a few minutes’ walk of the Mauritshuis.
- From Den Haag Hollands Spoor station, trams 1 and 9 (direction Scheveningen) and tram 16 are convenient options.
- By Bus:
- Bus lines 22, 24, 383, 385, 20, 28, and 29 all have stops within a 5–10 minute walk of the museum.
- The nearest bus stops are Malieveld (4 min walk), Centrum (7 min), and Kneuterdijk (8 min).
- By Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout The Hague. The drive from the city center to the Mauritshuis takes about 8–10 minutes (approx. 3.4 km).
- By Car: Parking is available at Pleingarage (adjacent to the museum), Interparking Museumkwartier, Malieveld, and Den Haag Centraal New Babylon garages, all within a 10-minute walk.
- By Foot or Bicycle: The Mauritshuis is in a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to reach on foot or by bike from anywhere in the city center.
- By Boat: While there is no direct boat service to the Mauritshuis, canal tours in The Hague often pass nearby, offering scenic views of the museum’s exterior.
Eateries Nearby The Mauritshuis Museum
After your museum visit, enjoy a meal or snack at one of these nearby restaurants and cafés:
Brasserie Mauritshuis: Located within the museum, offering modern dishes, vegan options, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Café Restaurant Rootz: A popular spot for Dutch and Belgian cuisine, just a short walk from the museum.
Bleyenberg: Trendy rooftop bar and restaurant with international fare, about 10 minutes away.
Café de Florèz: Cozy café known for its coffee and pastries, perfect for a quick break.
Restaurant Pavlov: Offers a diverse menu and a terrace overlooking the city, less than 5 minutes from the Mauritshuis.
Hanting Cuisine: For a more upscale experience, this Michelin-recommended restaurant blends Asian and French influences, about 15 minutes on foot.
Other Attractions Nearby Mauritshuis
Binnenhof: The historic Dutch parliament complex, located right next to the museum.
The Gevangenpoort (Prison Gate) Museum: Explore the city’s medieval prison and learn about its fascinating history.
Escher in the Palace: Discover the mind-bending works of M.C. Escher in a former royal palace, just a 10-minute walk away.
Panorama Mesdag: Experience a 360-degree panoramic painting of 19th-century Scheveningen, about 20 minutes by tram.
Kunstmuseum Den Haag: Home to modern and contemporary art, including works by Mondrian and Monet, accessible by direct bus (bus 24 or 28, approx. 19 minutes).
Madurodam: A miniature park showcasing Dutch landmarks, easily reached by tram 9 or bus 22 in about 15–20 minutes.
Scheveningen Beach: Enjoy the seaside, just 20 minutes away by tram.
Mauritshuis is one of the Netherlands’ most treasured art museums, located in The Hague. Also known as the Mauritshuis, this elegant 17th-century mansion houses an exquisite collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. At the Mauritshuis museum, visitors can admire masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. As an intimate Mauritshuis art museum, it offers a unique opportunity to get up close to some of the world’s most famous works in a refined, historical setting. The museum’s central location makes it a must-visit for art lovers exploring The Hague.
