Home to the world-famous Girl with a Pearl Earring and masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age in a stunning historic building.
Mauritshuis Den Haag
The Mauritshuis is one of the Netherlands' most prestigious art museums, housed in a beautiful 17th-century Dutch Classicist building. It houses the Royal Cabinet of Paintings, featuring masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.
About the Museum
The museum opened to the public in 1822 and is named after Prince John Maurice of Nassau (Maurits). The building originally served as the residence of John Maurice and his wife.
Collection Overview
The Mauritshuis houses approximately 800 paintings from the 15th to 19th centuries, with particular emphasis on Dutch and Flemish masters from the Golden Age.
Must-See Masterpieces
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Often called the "Mona Lisa of the North":
- Created: around 1665
- Artist: Johannes Vermeer
- Size: 44.5 × 39 cm
- Medium: Oil on canvas
About the Painting: The painting depicts a girl wearing an exotic dress, an oriental turban, and an improbably large pearl earring. The painting uses a dark background to direct focus on the subject.
The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp
Rembrandt's famous group portrait:
- Created: 1632
- Size: 169.5 × 216.5 cm
Historical Significance: This was Rembrandt's first major commission and depicts a public anatomy lesson given by Dr. Nicolaes Tulp in 1632.
Other Highlights
- View of Delft - Johannes Vermeer
- The Goldfinch - Carel Fabritius
- Self-Portrait - Rembrandt
- The Hunting Party - Pieter Bruegel the Younger
The Building
Architecture
The Mauritshuis building is a masterpiece of Dutch classicism:
- Designed by Jacob van Campen
- Built 1690-1705
- Features a classic facade with pilasters
- Beautiful interior with original details
Rooms
The museum is organized by theme and period:
- Dutch History room
- Portrait Gallery
- Still Life room
- Landscape Gallery
Visiting Information
Tickets & Pricing
Admission Prices:
- Adults: €16
- Ages 18 and under: Free
- Museumkaart: Free entry
- The Hague Card: Free entry
Online Booking:
- Recommended for guaranteed entry
- Time slots available online
Best Time to Visit
- Weekday mornings - 10:00-12:00
- Weekday afternoons - 14:00-16:00
- Avoid - Weekends and holidays
Duration
- Minimum: 1.5 hours
- Recommended: 2-3 hours
Visitor Guidelines
What's Allowed
- ✅ Photos without flash (no selfies)
- ✅ Small bags
- ✅ Audio guide (included)
What's Not Allowed
- ❌ Flash photography
- ❌ Selfie sticks
- ❌ Large bags
- ❌ Food and drinks
- ❌ Smoking
Services
Audio Guide
Included with admission:
- Languages: Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese
- Family version available
Museum Shop
- Art books and catalogues
- Reproduction prints
- Gifts and souvenirs
Café
- Located in the garden pavilion
- Light lunches and drinks
- Reservations recommended
Tips for Your Visit
Before You Go
- Book tickets online - Avoid disappointment
- Download the app - Enhanced experience
- Plan your route - Identify must-see paintings
- Allow time - Don't rush
Must-See Paintings
- Girl with a Pearl Earring - Allow extra time
- The Anatomy Lesson - Important historical piece
- View of Delft - Rare Vermeer cityscape
After Your Visit
- Walk to the Buitenhof
- Visit the nearby Parliament buildings
- Explore the historic city center
Getting There
By Tram
- Lines 1, 10, 17: To Korte Vijverberg
- From Den Haag Centraal: 5 minutes
By Bus
- Multiple lines to city center
- Short walk from stops
By Car
- Parking: Parkstraat (nearby)
- Limited street parking
Nearby Attractions
Walking Distance
- Noordeinde Palace - Royal palace (5 min)
- Binnenhof - Parliament (5 min)
- Kunstmuseum - Modern art (15 min)
- Gevangenpoort - Prison museum (5 min)
Practical Information
Location
Korte Vijverberg 8, 2513 AB Den Haag In the city center, near the Binnenhof
Contact
- Phone: +31 70 302 34 56
- Email: info@mauritshuis.nl
- Website: www.mauritshuis.nl
Opening Hours
- Daily: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Closed: January 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Girl with a Pearl Earring always on display? Yes, it's the museum's most famous piece and is always on display in the Vermeer room.
Can I take photos? Yes, without flash. Selfie sticks are not allowed.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible? Yes, elevators to all floors. Some historic rooms have limited accessibility.
How long should I plan for? 2-3 hours is recommended to see the full collection.
The Mauritshuis offers an extraordinary opportunity to see some of the most famous Dutch Golden Age paintings in the world. From Vermeer's enigmatic girl to Rembrandt's groundbreaking group portrait, the collection provides a unique window into the artistic genius of the Dutch Masters.