Open Monument Day
12 Sep - 13 Sep
During the second weekend of September, hundreds of monuments throughout the Netherlands will open their doors to the public free of charge. In The Hague, too, you can visit special historic buildings, churches, palaces and hidden gems that are normally not accessible or only accessible to a limited extent during Open Monument Day (Heritage Days).
What can you do on Open Monument Day in The Hague?
The Hague has approximately 2,250 protected monuments and 20 protected cityscapes. This makes The Hague one of the top five monument cities in the Netherlands. During Open Monument Day, dozens of monumental buildings in The Hague, Scheveningen and Kijkduin are open to the public free of charge.
How about the Binnenhof, Paleis Kneuterdijk, the King's Cabinet or the Hof van Wouw? In addition to these special monuments, which are not usually accessible, there are many other buildings to visit. There are also lots of fun extra activities such as guided tours, boat trips, workshops and cycling routes.
Tip: Open Monument Day is very popular. Plan your route in advance, choose a few favourites and combine them with a nice city walk.
With the beautiful Garden of the Hesperides and the Garden Room, the Hof van Wouw is one of the most beautiful and authentic courtyards in The Hague!
Visit Kneuterdijk Palace and other royal monuments
Kneuterdijk Palace, now used by the Council of State, is open on Open Monument Day. Kneuterdijk Palace was built between 1720 and 1730 for the Van Wassenaer Obdam family, designed by Daniël Marot in Louis XI style. In 1816, it was purchased by King William I for his son, the future King William II. Among other things, he had the neoclassical ballroom built. In 1840, he also added the Gothic hall at the rear.
Enjoy the beautiful rooms such as the Banquet Hall and the Gothic Hall and stroll through the French garden. Take a selfie on the throne with a crown in the beautiful Ballroom. And who knows, you might even bump into Anna Paulowna...
Other royal monuments worth visiting:
- King's Cabinet - Korte Vijverberg 3
- Huis Huguetan - Lange Voorhout 34
- Kloosterkerk - Lange Voorhout 2
- Sociëteit de Vereeniging - Kazernestraat 38B
The beautiful Kneuterdijk Palace.
What can you do around the Binnenhof on Open Monument Day?
During Open Monument Day, you can discover the stories of the Binnenhof through talks, walks and activities around the Hofvijver. The Binnenhof itself is not open to the public due to renovation work.
- During Open Monument Day on 12 September, you can discover the stories behind the Binnenhof. The Binnenhof itself is closed to the public due to renovation work, but there’s plenty to do around the Hofvijver.
- Attend a lecture by architects and heritage consultants on the Binnenhof. Sign up for a lecture.
- Or take a stroll along the Hofvijver and discover the history of the buildings, the renovation work and stories from the time of Jacoba of Bavaria. Sign up for the walk.
- At the Binnenhof Renovation Information Centre at Plaats 22, you can explore the future Hofgracht using VR glasses. You can also take a guided tour and climb up to the viewing point. Book a guided tour.
- For children, there is a treasure hunt around the Hofvijver. They can also colour in and make a cut-out model of the Torentje.
- Would you prefer to view the Binnenhof from the water? Between 12.00 and 14.30, you can go pedal boating on the Hofvijver. Book your pedal boat session.
- All activities are free of charge. You must book in advance for the talks, walk, guided tours and pedal boat trips.
The Hague Roof Festival ‘Uit je dak’
During Uit je Dak, you’ll discover what’s possible on rooftops in The Hague. On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, six venues will open their rooftops to visitors. You’ll see how rooftops can be used for green spaces, sustainability, energy, sport and socialising.
Visit EnergieKas Helena, Leiden University, De Bijenkorf, the Ministry of the Navy, Centrum Laakhavens and Living Lab Binckhaven. Take a look at green roofs and sustainable solutions, join a guided tour, or take part in a yoga session or a group fitness class. Activities and opening hours vary by location. Registration is required for some activities.
‘Uit je Dak’ is an initiative by The Hague City Council and shows how rooftops in The Hague can contribute to a healthy and pleasant city.
Read more about ‘Uit je dak’ hereVisit The Hague on 12 and 13 September
Every year, dozens of monuments in The Hague participate, ranging from iconic landmarks to unknown treasures that you can discover during this weekend.
Experience Royal September
