Power - 800 years Binnenhof

Discover the story of the most symbolic place in the Netherlands during this exhibition. During the renovation of the Binnenhof, the Hague Historical Museum presents the story of this impressive government building from different angles. A story about power and counter-power, about emancipation, representation and the typical Dutch 'poldering'. Politicians, students, activists, purveyors and many others have their say. It is the story of demonstrations, changes of power, emancipation struggles and an increasingly broader representation of the people. Power is set up as a look at the past from the perspective of current events and the future.

The history of the Binnenhof in themes 
When you receive a large 'Binnenhof decor' you will first receive a short introductory film. Then you walk on to the exhibition, which is divided into four themes: building for power, struggling for power, clinging to power and showing off power. 
The impressive building complex is characteristic of the history of the Binnenhof. But also persons and organizations such as diplomats and civil servants, jewelers, booksellers, wig makers and servants who came to The Hague. The judiciary, the advisory bodies and the executive ministries can still be found around the Binnenhof. View impressive objects such as the hair braid of Jacoba van Beieren and the tongue and finger of the De Witt brothers, the buttons of Haagse Dolle Mina and the 'Prinsjesdag hats with message'. Together with paintings, prints, photos and film fragments, including pamphlets from the 17th century or a poster of the large anti-cruise missile demonstration, you will learn everything about the eventful history of the Binnenhof.

Struggle for power 
The Binnenhof is also about the history and current events of politics with violence, demonstrations, occupation, emancipation and democracy. Who was allowed to sit at the table of power and who was not (yet)? During this exhibition, four characters from the future take you to the past and also to the 'now'. Think of the fight for universal suffrage more than a century ago and the fight against racism today. Usually 'a battle' proceeds peacefully. But sometimes things get more violent. All that power wants to show off. Showing that it stands for dignity and tradition. However, this does not always work well in the Netherlands, flaunting power. Traditions disappear and new ones emerge. And there is always discussion. Especially for this exhibition, three artists have created an alternative to the controversial panel 'Hulde der Coloniën'.

With this exhibition, the Hague Historical Museum is taking a new path: typical The Hague subjects are placed in a national context. With Power – 800 years of the Binnenhof, the museum wants to contribute to discussions about politics, emancipation and representation by placing the past in a current light.