The Association of Notary Publics in the city of The Hague were the first in the Netherlands to establish the 'Venduehuis der Notarissen'. This occurred in September 1811. In January 1812 the first auction was held in the present building in the Nobelstraat. The Auction house is now - and always has been - owned by the Association of Notary Publics in The Hague.
Building
The Venduehuis in the Nobelstraat is established in the former residence of the Mayor of The Hague. The name of the street can be found on a 15th-century city street map and takes its name from the noble and aristocratic families who lived there during that period. Amongst them were various mayors, father and son Christiaan and Constantijn Huygens, famous astronomers and mathematicians.
Over the years, several construction works have taken place, and the building has been expanded. Adjacent buildings were bought; a courtyard in between two houses has been roofed in. Unlike many other buildings in The Hague, the house did not suffer during World War II; but soon after the war a major renovation was necessary. In 1993 a second and radical renovation which took 5 years was completed. This is the present state of the building.
Guided tours
Always wanted to take a look behind the scenes at an auction house? The Venduehuis in The Hague offers this possibility both to individuals and groups of people who are interested.
Guided tours for individual visitors are held on Mondays and Fridays in the weeks that viewings days are organized. There is a minimum number of 10 persons. On the other work days it is possible to request guided tours for groups between 15 and 45 persons. Guided tours last approximately 1.5 hour and cost around 10 euro per person.
Location
The neighbourhood where the Venduehuis is located is called Hofkwartier. The name Hofkwartier (Court Quarter) says it all. Beautiful streets with old bricks and gables capture the imagination and revive bygone times. In addition to admiring the architecture, enjoy the unique merchandise in this small district with plenty of allure.
Directions
The Venduehuis is located in the Nobelstraat in the city centre of The Hague, which is easily accessible by car and public transport. The Q-Park Torengarage multi-storey car park is within walking distance of Nobelstraat. Those who prefer to take public transport can take a tram from The Hague Central Station. You will find yourself in the centre of charming Court Quarter in less than a two-minute walk from Kneuterdijk tram stop (line 1) or Noordwal tram stop (line 17).
