Where can you see water flowing uphill? Where do birds transmogrify into fish and drawings of reptiles crawl right off the page, over the objects on the artist's desk and back onto the paper again? Where does the shadow of a dog turn into a dog in its own right? And where can a mother make herself smaller than her own seven-year-old child? All these wonders can be witnessed at Escher in Het Paleis on the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. This new centre houses a huge collection of prints and drawings by the world-famous Dutch artist M. C. Escher, plus fascinating explanatory programmes and a host of old family photos, drawings and design sketches that help to bring Escher's work even more vividly to life.  

The Artist

Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) was born in Leeuwarden. In 1919, he enrolled at the then renowned Haarlem School of Architecture and Ornamental Design. Influenced by his tutor Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, himself a great graphic artist, Escher soon started to make lino prints and woodcuts. After his training, he embarked on the traditional artistic grand tour of Italy and Spain. There, he made landscape and architectural drawings from which he would continue to draw inspiration all his life. During trips to Spain, he visited Granada and Córdoba, where he was fascinated by the Moorish buildings and mosaics. 

Famous works

Escher in Het Paleis is certainly the place to see the originals of famous works like Belvédère, Ascending and Descending, Day and Night and parts of the Metamorphosis series. But don't miss the other interesting exhibits, like the less well-known bookplates, wrapping paper designs for major stores, a New Years greeting from friends and early self-portraits. 

Escher Experience

The ingenuity of Escher's work is fully revealed on the top floor of Het Paleis, where computer animation is used to throw a whole new light on the familiar pictures. This totally unique Virtual Reality experience will whirl you away on a thrilling 360-degree voyage of discovery right into the worlds of M.C. Escher. Actor Peter Faber will be your guide on this unforgettable experience, which also features opportunities for interaction and an exciting competition. 

Café MC

Basement restaurant 'Café MC' is the place to relax and digest the visual impressions of your visit over a cup of coffee or a light lunch. The restaurant can also cater for groups (but please reserve).