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As the third largest city in the Netherlands The Hague has plenty to offer architecturally discerning travellers including many buildings that are associated with governance, royalty and international legal affairs. Read on to discover the most impressive buildings in the city.

The Binnnenhof

The Binnenhof was originalluy owned and built by a group of Dutch counts during the end of the medieval period. This Gothic palace was converted into the main parliamentary building in the Netherlands in 1584 after the Dutch Republic was established.
📍Binnenhof, The Hague

Scheveningen Pier

Scheveningen’s iconic pleasure pier has changed significantly over the years and was completely rebuilt after the German army destroyed its upper deck during World War II. The pier recently reopened after considerable redevelopment projects and currently features several attractions including a towering ferris wheel and bungee jump tower.
📍The Pier, Strandweg 150-154, The Hague, +31 6 10386859

Peace Palace

The Hague’s Peace Palace houses many important legal organisations including the International Court of Law. The Palace was specifically designed to accommodate international judicial bodies and its construction was funded by American steel magnate Andrew Carnegie and several other philanthropists.
📍 Peace Palace, Carnegieplein 2, The Hague, +31 70 302 4242

The Peace Palace

Huis ten Bosch

Although Huis ten Bosch has had many owners over the years it has mainly remained within the Orange-Nassau family’s possession since its construction in 1645. King Willem-Alexander recently accounted that his plans to relocate to the palace in the near future and name it as his official residence.
📍Huis ten Bosch, ‘s-Gravenhaagse Bos 10, The Hague, +31 70 356 4142

Huis ten Bosch

Mauritshuis

Before designing Amsterdam Royal Palace Dutch architect Jacob van Campen worked on a stately mansion in The Hague which is now known as Mauritishuis. This palatial building was completed in 1641 and was eventually converted in an art museum by the Dutch government which currently houses Johannes Vermeer’s masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring.
📍Mauritshuis, Mauritshuisplein 29, the Hague, +31 70 302 3456

Gemeentemusuem Den Haag

Gemeentemusuem Den Haag was the last building designed by Amsterdam’s modernist master builder H.P. Berlage before his death in 1934. Like Berlage’s work elsewhere in the Netherlands the museum simultaneously employs geometric forms associated with late Art Nouveau whilst paying tribute to classical Dutch architecture.
📍Gemeentemusuem Den Haag, Stadhouderslaan 41, The Hague, +31 70 338 1111

Gemeentemuseum Den Haag

De Bijenkorf

De Bijenkorf’s branch in the Hague is housed within one of the most famous and important examples of Amsterdamse School architecture. This large department store was unveiled in 1926 and still marks the centre of the Hague’s retail district.
📍De Bijenkorf, Wagenstraat 32, The Hague

Celestial Vault

In 1996, American conceptual artist James Turrell created a permanent installation in Kijkduin, the Hague. This crater-shaped landmark features a purpose built stone bed that allows visitors to perceive the sky as an conceived surface.
📍 Celestial Vault, James Turrell 1996, Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan 175, The Hague

The Celestial Vault was creaed by American artist James Turrell in 1996

Het Strijkijzer

After its completion in 2007 Het Strijkijzer was almost immediately showered with accolades including the prestigious Emporis Skyscraper Award. Its design was inspired New York City’s iconic Flatiron Building and like its producers het Striijkijzer’s layout cleverly works around limited urban space.
📍Het Strijkijzer, Huygenspark, The Hague

Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk

Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk is among the oldest buildings in The Hague and has played an important part within the city’s history since its construction in the 15th century. Many famous Dutch figures have worshipped inside the church and the Orange-Nassau family are traditionally baptised at its font.
📍 Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk,Rond de Grote Kerk 12, The Hague, +3170 302 8630

Inside the church

Noordeinde Palace

Noordeinde Palace was given to the Dutch royal family during the 19th century and has remained in their possession ever since. Although monarchs have traditionally live in the palace during winter, the current king Willem-Alexander uses it as a workplace.
📍Noordeinde Palace, Noordeinde 68, the Hague, +31 70 362 4701

Panorama Mesdag

Hendrik Willem Mesdag’s gigantic panoramic painting of the Hague’s coastline is displayed within a custom built, circular hall that allows visitors to experience the artwork complete grandeur. The panorama has been on display since the late 19th century and still attracts legions of art lovers everyday.
📍Panorama Mesdag, Zeestraat 65, The Hague, +31 70 310 6665

The Mesdag Panorama

Hoftoren

Hoftoren is the eighth tallest building in the Netherlands and towers over the Hague’s city centre. Due its jutting shape many locals prefer to call it de Vulpen (the Fountain Pen).
📍Hoftoren, Uilebomen, The Hague

Kurhaus van Scheveningen

Kurhaus van Scheveningen was once frequented by many important foreign dignitaries and was one of the most exclusive hotels in the Netherlands for almost 100 years. The building still accommodates thousands of people every year and is currently known as the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus The Hague.
📍Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, Gevers Deynootplein 30, The Hague, +3170 416 2636

About the author

Tom Coggins writes about culture and travel. He'd really like to own a dog someday.

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