The Mauritshuis Museum Tickets and Information
- The Mauritshuis Museum Address: Plein 29, 2511 CS, The Hague
- Opening Hours: Monday: 13:00 - 18:00 | All Other Days: 10:00 - 18:00
Is The Mauritshuis Museum Worth Visiting
- If you are an art fan, absolutely, yes.
What Visitors See At The Mauritshuis Museum
- Art & lots of it.
- Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’
- Rembrandt
- Van Dyke
- Rubens, and many more.
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About Mauritshuis Museum
The Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague is a treasure trove for art lovers, especially those interested in Dutch Golden Age paintings. The museum is housed in an historic 17th-century building that was once the residence of a Dutch count, and offers a more intimate experience compared to larger institutions.
Masterpieces on Display
- Vermeer's ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’: This iconic painting is the star of the Mauritshuis collection and attracts visitors from all around the world.
- Rembrandt's ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’: Another must-see piece, this dramatic and detailed work captures a moment of scientific discovery and human emotion.
- Other Works: The museum also houses works by other Dutch masters like Frans Hals, Jan Steen, and Pieter Claesz. Each painting offers a glimpse into life in the 17th century, with rich details and vibrant colours.
The museum building itself is an example of Dutch Classicist architecture. Its elegant design, with grand staircases and richly decorated rooms, enhances the art-viewing experience, as you feel at home in its warmth.
Unlike larger museums, the Mauritshuis museum feels more personal. Part of the reason for this is due to the smaller space which allows you to get closer to the artworks, making the experience feel exclusive and special. Something you can’t do at a lot of other larger museums.
Art with Augmented Reality
The museum has embraced technology to help enhance visitors’ experiences. They’ve done this with apps and in-gallery screens that offer insights into the artworks, their histories, and the techniques used by the artists, meaning visitors can learn more about the art they are viewing.
The museum also frequently hosts special exhibitions that focus on different themes or artists, and this offers a fresh perspective for returning visitors.
Visiting the Mauritshuis is like stepping back in time, where you can enjoy the beauty and history of Dutch art in a setting that complements the masterpieces on display. The museum is a must-see for anyone visiting The Hague, especially art lovers.
Fun Facts About the Mauritshuis
- Home to Iconic Artworks: The Mauritshuis is most famous for housing Johannes Vermeer's masterpiece ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. This painting, often dubbed the "Mona Lisa of the North," and by itself, attracts countless visitors to the museum each year.
- Royal Collection Origins: The Mauritshuis's collection began with the Dutch stadtholder William V of Orange, who established his own art collection in the 18th century. The museum itself was founded in 1822 to house this collection.
- Historic Building: The Mauritshuis is housed in a 17th-century mansion that was originally built for Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, the governor of Dutch Brazil. The building was designed by the famous Dutch architects Jacob van Campen and Pieter Post. We feel the building adds to the atmosphere of the museum and enhances the visitor experience!
- Small but Mighty: Despite its relatively small size, the Mauritshuis is home to some of the most important works of Dutch Golden Age painting, including pieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
- Two Locations: In addition to the main museum in The Hague, the Mauritshuis has a second location called "Prince William V Gallery." This gallery recreates the experience of 18th-century art viewing, with walls crowded with paintings.
- Unique Acquisition: The museum's acquisition of ‘The Goldfinch’ by Carel Fabritius was a significant event. This small but captivating painting became even more famous after being featured in Donna Tartt's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Goldfinch.
- Innovative Lighting: The museum is known for its innovative use of natural light, especially in the Golden Room, where Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp is displayed. The lighting was designed to mimic the natural daylight of the Dutch Golden Age.