What is the Mauritshuis?

The Mauritshuis is a museum in The Hague that was established in 1822 and mainly shows Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Mauritshuis owns works by some of the most important paintings from that era, Including paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Rubens, Jan Steen, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals. Thanks to its exceptional collection and royal appearance, the building is nicknames ‘the jewellery box’.

Is the Mauritshuis worth a visit?

The Mauritshuis in The Hague is well worth a visit. The Mauritshuis displays the very best Dutch paintings from the 17th and 18th century. Its permanent collection of more than 800 works of art includes top pieces, including Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Paulus Potter’s The Bull, and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt van Rijn.

What attractions and landmarks are near the Maurtishuis?

Attractions and landmarks near the Mauritshuis include Escher in het Paleis. The former palace of the royal family houses an extensive collection from the hand of this progressive graphic artist. The Louwman Museum boasts one of the world’s most unique private automobile collections, from classic models to Formula 1 race cars. At De Delftse Pauw in Delft, you will be able to see how beautiful Delft Blue pottery is made in the time-honored way. You will also learn more about the history of the world-famous pottery. At the Vermeer Centrum, you will learn all about the master of light Johannes Vermeer. Stunning reproductions of his entire oeuvre lead to insights into this 17th century painter’s genius. Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar features a unique collection of contemporary art and is set amid a beautiful estate. It is a great place to visit with children, too.

Photo: © Toolkit The Hague

Mauritshuis

The 17th century Mauritshuis, which originally served as a residence and hotel for high-placed guests, is located in the city center of The Hague. Today the building houses the top museum for 17th and 18th century art. Its collection includes some 800 works by a variety of artists.

Discover 800 works from the 17th and 18th century.
See the world-famous Girl with the Pearl Earring by Vermeer.
Discover the classical interior with its silk wall coverings and chandelier.

Address:: Plein 29
2511CS The Hague
Visit the website
Opening hours & tickets

Top paintings by Dutch masters

The Mauritshuis boasts works from the leading masters from 17th and 18th century Netherlands and Flanders. Examples are Girl with the Pearl Earring by Vermeer, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, and The Goldfinch by Fabritius. You can also admire works by Rubens, Jan Steen and Frans Hals at the Mauritshuis. The exceptional collection and the building’s royal allure have earned it the nickname ‘the jewelry box’.

Thorough renovation

The Mauritshuis reopened in 2014 after a thorough renovation. The main change is that it has doubled its surface by adding an extra building to the museum. The museum’s total floor surface now amounts to 6400 square meters. An underground passage takes you from one building to the other. The museum also offers space for activities, a museum shop, and a café where you can enjoy a cup of coffee.

Don’t forget to check out the building’s exterior, as it is one of the 17th century’s architectural highlights. The museum is located next to the Binnenhof and government buildings, an area worth exploring on foot.

Buy online tickets for the Mauritshuis

If you are planning to visit the Mauritshuis, buy your tickets online. Other museums that are certainly worth a visit are Escher in het Paleis, Museum de Gevangepoort and Panorama Mesdag.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Mauritshuis is a museum in The Hague that was established in 1822 and mainly shows Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The Mauritshuis owns works by some of the most important paintings from that era, Including paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Rubens, Jan Steen, Rembrandt, and Frans Hals. Thanks to its exceptional collection and royal appearance, the building is nicknames ‘the jewellery box’.
Attractions and landmarks near the Mauritshuis include Escher in het Paleis. The former palace of the royal family houses an extensive collection from the hand of this progressive graphic artist. The Louwman Museum boasts one of the world’s most unique private automobile collections, from classic models to Formula 1 race cars. At De Delftse Pauw in Delft, you will be able to see how beautiful Delft Blue pottery is made in the time-honored way. You will also learn more about the history of the world-famous pottery. At the Vermeer Centrum, you will learn all about the master of light Johannes Vermeer. Stunning reproductions of his entire oeuvre lead to insights into this 17th century painter’s genius. Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar features a unique collection of contemporary art and is set amid a beautiful estate. It is a great place to visit with children, too.

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