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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
Want to see the Strandbeests in motion? Theo Jansen organises beach sessions along The Hague’s 11-kilometre coastline. During a session, you can see what he is currently working on and hear about the latest developments in the evolution of his Strandbeests. The beach sessions are explained in English. Afterwards, those interested can learn more about the Strandbeests’ walking system and ‘nervous system’, among other things. Check the Strandbeest website for the latest information about the beach sessions.
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 in The Hague
You can also discover Theo Jansen’s work in The Hague outside the beach sessions. A fossil Strandbeest is on display at Kunstmuseum Den Haag. There is also the Strandbeest Playground, where you may encounter Strandbeests too.
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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