Spiegelfestival: we decorate the city.
We’re ringing in the new year with a dazzling spectacle in the Museum Quarter, where mirrors transform public spaces! Artists and designers bring a unique brilliance with their reflective creations. You can visit the Spiegelfestival (Mirror Parade) from 18 January to 2 March at various locations in The Hague.
The Hague Shines!
Be amazed by ‘Reflections in Common,’ a stunning pavilion by the Danish Urgent.Agency from Copenhagen. At the Buitenhof, admire an installation inspired by the magical ‘White Rain’ by Charlap Hyman & Herrero (Los Angeles/New York). On the corner of the Lange Vijverberg and the Hofvijver you’ll find an impressive artwork by Marleen Sleeuwits, thematically linked to her solo exhibition at the Fotomuseum.
Spiegelfestival, a route of objects and architecture in and around the Museum Quarter The Hague
Follow the route through the city centre and discover all the mirrored objects:
1. Reflections in Common - Urgent.Agency (DK)
Location: Lange Voorhout
This pristine design by the Danish Urgent.Agency was previously showcased in Copenhagen and fits perfectly in The Hague as well. Architecture only gains meaning when people can connect with it and find recognition in it.
This stainless-steel circle not only reflects the stately architecture of its surroundings but also engages in a dialogue with passersby. The pavilion invites visitors to step into a world of ‘infinite greenery.’
2. Reflective bows– The Citydressers together with Sasja Strengholt
Location: Koninklijke Schouwburg, Korte Voorhout 3
The Royal Theatre (Koninklijke Schouwburg) on the Korte Poten was built in the 18th century as a city palace for the brother-in-law of Willem V, the Stadtholder at the time. It wasn’t until 1802 that it became a theater. Since 2022, during the renovation of the Binnenhof, the general public has come to recognize the Royal Theatre as the backdrop for the arrival of the king and queen, preceding the King's Speech and the opening of the parliamentary year on Prinsjesdag.
The distinctive semicircular façade is now festively adorned with two large bows by The Citydressers together with Sasja Strengholt, renowned for their iconic bow installations in Amsterdam at locations such as Hoppe and The Collection.
3. Enter the Cube – Marleen Sleeuwits
Location: Lange Vijverberg
The Hague-based artist Marleen Sleeuwits challenges our perception: how do we experience a space? What do we truly see, and what do our minds fill in? This reflective artwork seamlessly ties into her concurrent exhibition at the Fotomuseum.
Inspired by the relief of American artist Sol LeWitt on the museum’s side façade – where he endlessly explores the interplay of lines within a cube – Sleeuwits has designed a colorful, site-specific installation. The installation invites visitors to step inside the cube, entering a fascinating space that plays with perspective, illusion, and the impression of infinity
4. Shanty Palace - VollaersZwart
Location: Hofvijver
This floating pavilion, clad in mirrors, reflects the historic architecture of the Binnenhof while blending subtly into its surroundings. Designed by city dressers VollaersZwart, this temporary intervention momentarily halts the city's dynamic flow. The pavilion feels natural in its setting but was entirely absent from the original plans.
Facilities for the renovation were to be located at the Opperhof within the walls of the complex. However, new insights have led to constructions underground; the new entrance to the House of Representatives will be located underground and the data hub – the digital nerve centre of democracy – has now been conceived beneath the square in front of the Ridderzaal. As a result, functions necessary during the renovation of the Binnenhof, such as canteens, toilets and meeting rooms, were moved outside the walls of the complex.
5. Speelse monumentaliteit - Feddow Claassen
Location Rijksmuseum De Gevangenpoort / Plaats
This work by Feddow Claassen is yet to be realised.
6. Aciacia x Tilia x Tinsels
Location: Buitenhof
‘Die Haghe’ was the name of the village that emerged in 1248 around what is now the Binnenhof, when Count Floris IV built his hunting lodge there. The Hague has always maintained a strong connection with nature, with the Hofvijver and the many surrounding trees shaping the character of the (now) Museum Quarter.
The Buitenhof is dominated by linden, acacias, and elms. Around the Berlage kiosk and bicycle parking, 32 trees have been temporarily wrapped with fringes for the Mirror Festival. This project is inspired by ‘White Rain,’ in which Charlap Hyman & Herrero (New York/Los Angeles) adorned the palm trees of Miami with fringes.
7. Plant life in between architecture
Location: Grote Marktstraat
In the Grote Marktstraat, we dress the planters in reflective material. They beautifully mirror a key highlight of one of The Hague’s most important shopping areas: the façade of De Bijenkorf, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. Architect Piet Kramer is recognized as one of the most prolific masters of the Amsterdam School, but his greatest pièce de résistance was built right here in The Hague!
Schitterende etalages!
- A Reflection – Location: Plaats 15
- B Van Schaik – Paola Kalshoven - Location: Hoogstraat 14
- C De Twee Pauwen – Location: Oranjestraat 1
Binnenhofbuiten
The Mirror Festival is curated and produced by Mary Hessing for BinnenhofBuiten, which organises activities during the renovation of the Binnenhof on behalf of The Hague & Partners and the Municipality of The Hague.