Film can
8 Jun - 7 Sep
The Hague Municipal Archives presents Film Can, an exhibition celebrating 130 years of film in The Hague. Come and see unique photographs, posters and programmes from The Hague’s film history.
130 years of cinema in The Hague
With the exhibition Film Can, The Hague Municipal Archives is marking a special anniversary. In 2026, it will be 130 years since the first film screenings took place in The Hague.
It was long believed that the first film screening in The Hague took place on 9 June 1896 at the Kurhaus. Recent research has revealed that films were screened earlier, namely on 24 and 25 May 1896 at The Hague Zoo.
To mark this anniversary, the Film in The Hague Foundation is organising a programme of public events, and a book on the history of film in The Hague is due to be published later this year. The exhibition Film Can forms part of these celebrations.
A look at cinema culture in The Hague
In the 20th century, The Hague was home to dozens of cinemas. Before the advent of television and smartphones, cinemas were the place to go to watch films. News was also shown there via newsreels.
The exhibition explores the role cinemas played in the city’s daily life. Visitors can explore a collection of photographs, posters and programmes from various periods in The Hague’s film history.
The town’s anniversary
The exhibition also coincides with The Hague’s anniversary. The oldest document in which the city is mentioned dates from 6 September 1242. The Hague will therefore celebrate its 784th anniversary in 2026.
The Hague Municipal Archives marks this occasion every year with an exhibition in De Galerij. This year, the focus is on the city’s rich film history.
| Monday |
05:30 – 23:30
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| Tuesday |
05:30 – 23:30
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| Wednesday |
05:30 – 23:30
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| Thursday |
05:30 – 23:30
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| Friday |
05:30 – 23:30
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| Saturday |
06:00 – 23:30
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| Sunday |
07:00 – 23:30
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