The Mauritshuis is the reason many art lovers come to The Hague. It is a small museum — a former city palace rather than a vast gallery — but its collection of Dutch and Flemish painting from the 17th century is one of the best anywhere, and almost every room holds a picture you will recognise.
The building itself is a masterpiece of Dutch classicism, built between 1636 and 1641 for Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, governor of Dutch Brazil, on the edge of the Hofvijver. It has been a museum since 1822. A modern underground foyer links it with a wing across the street, but the main galleries keep their silk-lined walls, painted ceilings and chandeliers.
The star is Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, but do not rush past the rest: Vermeer’s View of Delft, Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp and late self-portrait, Carel Fabritius’s tiny The Goldfinch, Paulus Potter’s life-size The Bull, Jan Steen’s riotous family scenes and fine works by Rubens, Frans Hals and Holbein.
Top things to do: Mauritshuis
See Girl with a Pearl Earring
Vermeer’s enigmatic girl hangs in a room of her own company with View of Delft nearby. Arrive at opening time or late in the afternoon for a calmer look. Book a ticket to skip the ticket desk.
Find Rembrandt and The Goldfinch
The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp made the young Rembrandt’s name. Look too for his late self-portrait and for Fabritius’s small, luminous The Goldfinch, painted in Delft in 1654, the year the artist died.
Visit Galerij Prins Willem V
A few steps away on the Buitenhof, this 18th-century gallery shows paintings hung frame to frame as a prince’s collection was in 1774. It belongs to the Mauritshuis; check whether your ticket includes it.
Walk round the Hofvijver
Afterwards, stroll along the Lange Vijverberg on the far side of the pond for the classic view of the Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof reflected in the water. See Binnenhof & Hofvijver.
Combine it with other museums
Escher in Het Paleis and the Historical Museum are within a few minutes’ walk. Our museum guide suggests how to pair them.
How to get to Mauritshuis
- On foot: about 10 minutes from Den Haag Centraal station through the city centre; the entrance is on the Plein side.
- By tram: several lines stop near the Buitenhof and Centrum, a few minutes’ walk away.
- From Amsterdam: train to Den Haag Centraal (about 50 minutes), then walk.
Insider tips
- Weekday mornings outside school holidays are quietest; weekends and special exhibitions are busiest.
- Large bags must go in the lockers — travel light.
- Masterpieces are occasionally lent abroad and the museum has closed for maintenance before; check before a special trip.
- Children and teenagers have been admitted free — check the current policy.
- The museum café and shop are in the underground foyer, accessible from the Plein.
Best activities for Mauritshuis
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to Mauritshuis:
Museum ticket The Hague: Mauritshuis Entrance Ticket
Entry to the 17th-century palace on the Hofvijver that holds one of the world’s finest collections of Dutch Golden Age painting. Large bags, selfie sticks and flash photography are not allowed, according to the listing.
- Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and View of Delft
- Rembrandt’s Anatomy Lesson and Fabritius’s The Goldfinch
- Multimedia guide app to download
Boat tour The Hague: City Canal Cruise
An open-boat cruise through the canals of The Hague, starting and ending at the Bierkade, with a live guide telling the story of the city’s posh and working-class neighbourhoods alike.
- Live guide in several languages
- Grand and everyday districts seen from the water
- Bottle of water included, per the listing
Private tour The Hague: Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide
A private walk shaped around what you want to see — history, politics, architecture or food — with a guide who lives in the city. Check the listing for durations and inclusions.
- A private local guide for your group
- Route tailored to your interests
- Food or a drink included on some options, per the listing
