From Binnenhof to Hague tits: architecture in The Hague
Historic architecture
Het Binnenhof | Binnenhof 1
The Binnenhof ((Inner Court) with the Ridderzaal (Hall of knights) is one of The Hague's oldest buildings and among the most wellknown places in the Netherlands. Just because it can be seen daily on the news. It is the place where the most important events in the country's history took place, and the Binnenhof is still the beating heart of democracy.
The most important and famous buildings belonging to the Binnenhof are the Senate and House of Representatives, the Ridderzaal (, where the speech from the throne is read on 'Prinsjesdag'), and of course the Torentje; the prime minister's office. From the adjacent Mauritshuis, you can almost see into the Torentje.
The Binnenhof is currently undergoing major renovation.
Click here for a sneak peek of the new House of Representatives!
Grote Kerk (great church) | Ronde de Grote Kerk 12
This originally Catholic church dates back to the 14th century and, together with the Binnenhof, is one of the city's oldest buildings. The church possesses many art treasures and of the three swinging bells in the tower, one weighs as much as 6,500 kilos. The carillonneur rings them regularly and plays (modern) music on the carillon. You can enjoy the carillon concerts from the Nutstuin. Nowadays, the church is only open during events.
In a sporty mood? Then climb the tower of the Grote Kerk. It may be 288 steps but you will be rewarded with a spectacular view!
Het Vredepaleis | Carnegieplein 2
In The Hague, people work hard every day, for a better world that is why The Hague is also known as the international city of Peace and Justice. Symbol of this is the Peace Palace. This palace was built about 100 years ago. It houses the International Court of Justice, the only judicial body of the United Nations outside New York, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The Peace Palace is one of the most photographed buildings in The Hague.
Be sure to take a look then you will understand why and visit the adjacent visitor centre. There are regular guided tours where you can see this special building from the inside.
Paleis Noordeinde | Noordeinde 68
Paleis Noordeinde has been the centre of important events in the life of the royal family. Marriages took place there, princesses were born and residents of The Hague could say goodbye to Royal Highnesses who were laid to rest here. Nowadays, King Willem-Alexander works here. When he is in the country, the flag flies on the palace.
The palace garden behind Noordeinde Palace is open to the public. A lovely green place to relax or have a picnic.
Tip: Together with the Royal Stable Department, Noordeinde Palace is open to the public for a number of days every summer. The perfect opportunity to visit this special place!
De Passage en de Nieuwe Haagse Passage
De Haagse Passage ranks with the passages of Milan, Moscow and Brussels among the most beautiful, extant shopping arcades in Europe. The Passage has a beautiful look with its arcades, glass domes, walkways and carved facades. The glass-covered shopping street is home to several specialty shops.
Did you know that one of the rooms above the entrance hosted the first Vincent van Gogh exhibition in 1892?
Architect Bernard Tschumi designed the New Hague Passage very light and open. For the ceramic façade with blue and white tiles, Tschumi was inspired by Delft Blue. The extension of the monumental building towards Grote Marktstraat has created a modern covered shopping street: the Nieuwe Haagse Passage. Stylish and atmospheric, with a diversity of shops and thé place for a delicious Hague croquette!
Jugendstil
The Jugendstil / Art Nouveau movement emerged at the end of the 19th century and is mainly a decorative style. After Brussels, The Hague has the most Jugendstil buildings. At least the most in the Netherlands! The photo series shows where you can admire Art Nouveau facades.
Modern architecture
Stadhuis (City Hall) | Spui 70
The imposing building, designed by US architect Richard Meier, is an attraction in itself. Meier's designs stand out for their clean shape, the materials chosen and, a key element, their white appearance.
The Atrium is the central hall of City Hall. Daylight is of great importance in City Hall. Light streams in on all sides, but especially through the glass roof of the Atrium.
Because of its shape and colour, City Hall is also known as the 'Ice Palace'.
Did you know that this photogenic building featured in the film Oceans 12 as Interpol's headquarters?
Former US Embassy | Lange Voorhout 102
The former US embassy was designed by renowned Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer. The national monument is as special as the MET-Breuer museum in New York. Today, it hosts exhibitions and events and is easy to visit. The new US Embassy is in Wassenaar.
The Hague Skyline
The Hague people are funny, humour is everywhere and also near Central Station to be precise in the shape of a serious skyline. The modern, new buildings, including many ministries, give The Hague this sturdy skyline. All these imposing buildings have beautiful names that have been affectionately given funny nicknames by locals;
- The Hoftoren, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, is also known as 'the fountain pen'.
- Zurich Tower stands out for its distinctive hexagonal green domed roof, hence its nickname 'Citrus Press'.
- The tower 'Castalia' of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) with its double pointed roof is a recognisable building in The Hague. Due to its two 35-metre-high pointed roofs, the building has been nicknamed the 'Hague Tits'. This building received a mention in 'The world's weirdest skyscrapers' by the US Guardian.
- At 146 metres tall, the Ministries of Security and Justice and of the Interior & Kingdom Relations are the two tallest buildings in the city! Unfortunately, they are not publicly accessible.
- Want to experience a good view of the city, though? Then head to The Penthouse (the 'Flatiron').
Sustainable architecture
Amare | Spuiplein 150
On Spuiplein you will find Amare; a striking and sustainable complex. Besides a theatre and concert hall, Amare is also home to the Nederlands Dans Theater, the Residentie Orkest and the Royal Conservatoire, among others.
The sustainability is not only reflected in the catering, 80% of which is plant-based and organic, but also in facilities such as: solar panels, toilets flushed with rainwater, nesting boxes for various types of birds incorporated in the façade and built-in bat houses.
And to think that this ultra-modern building will one day fall under historic architecture...........
Worth the detour
You won't only find interesting buildings in the city centre. Outside the city centre, too, you will come across architectural gems that are worth the detour.
Discover more of The Hague?
Want to see more interesting buildings in The Hague? Do one of the free walking tours.
