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Spot the Strandbeests by The Hague artist Theo Jansen
A metres-high skeleton made of yellow tubes walking across Scheveningen beach. Chances are you’re looking at one of Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests. The Hague-based artist and inventor has been working on his remarkable creations since 1990. Wind is their source of energy, and an ingenious system of legs allows them to move across the sand. During beach sessions along The Hague’s coast, you can see the Strandbeests in action for yourself.
See the Strandbeests’ constructions up close and learn more about them during the beach sessions on Scheveningen beach.
What are Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests?
Theo Jansen sees his Strandbeests as new forms of life. The structures are largely made from yellow plastic tubes and do not need a motor to walk: the wind sets them in motion. Jansen has continued to develop his creations ever since the first Strandbeest. New Strandbeests build on previous versions and are given different characteristics and techniques. Over the years, this has resulted in an entire family tree. Some Strandbeests move in the same direction as the wind, while others move sideways across it.
Strandbeest beach sessions
Would you like to see the Strandbeesten in motion? Theo Jansen organises Beach Sessions along The Hague’s 11-kilometre coastline. During these sessions, you can see the Strandbeesten in action and discover what Jansen is currently working on. He talks about the latest developments in the evolution of his Strandbeesten and explains the technology behind them, including their walking mechanism and ‘nervous system’.
You can register for the Beach Sessions in advance, after which you will receive the exact location. Visit the Strandbeest website for the latest information and registration details.
Which Strandbeests is Theo Jansen testing in 2026?
Not all Strandbeests move in the same way. There are downwind walkers and sideways walkers, as well as Strandbeests from the caterpillar family. Theo Jansen is constantly testing his latest developments and is currently working on:
- Animaris Tenere: a downwind walker that moves in the same direction as the wind.
- Ader Mater: a smaller Strandbeest from the same family.
- Compressor Venti: a sideways walker with which Jansen is experimenting with storing wind energy.
- Chalibs and Uminami: two Strandbeests from the caterpillar family.
How do these Strandbeests move, and what techniques are behind them? The best way to find out is to see them walking across Scheveningen beach.
More Strandbeests near The Hague beach
You can also discover Theo Jansen’s work outside the Beach Sessions, in The Hague and the surrounding area. Kunstmuseum Den Haag has a fossilised Strandbeest on display. You can also visit the Strandbeest Playground, a free exhibition created in collaboration with Museum Prinsenhof Delft, Kabeldistrict and Theo Jansen. Here, the impressive, life-sized Strandbeests come to life, offering a fascinating insight into Jansen’s artistic vision and innovative technology.
A visit to the Strandbeests is easy to combine with a day in Scheveningen. Walk along the beach, head into the dunes or discover more things to do along The Hague’s coast.
The Strandbeests of Theo Jansen come into their own among the sand, sea and clouds along The Hague’s coast.
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Theo Jansen’s Strandbeests come into their own among the sand, sea and clouds along The Hague’s coast.
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