Dutch Golden Age art at the Mauritshuis & Historic Centre of The Hague

The Mauritshuis museum in The Hague holds fabulous paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and other Dutch masters. It is one of the most important world collections of Flemish and Dutch Golden Age art. Among its key masterpieces, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Johannes Vermeer, "The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp" by Rembrandt, "View of Haarlem with Bleaching Grounds" by Jacob van Ruisdael, and "The Goldfinch" by Carel Fabritius.

In addition to these must-sees, the Mauritshuis’ collection includes many astounding pieces of Dutch and Flemish art. We will survey beautiful portraits by Hans Holbein, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony Van Dyck, admire sumptuous 16th and 17th century still lifes, and read the hidden messages in the genre paintings by Jan Steen or Frans Mieris.

We will also talk about the development of Dutch art, observing its evolution from the 16th century to the Golden Age and beyond. You’ll learn what colors and techniques Dutch masters used, and what attribution challenges experts face today. A broad art and historical context will enrich your perception of these fabulous paintings.

The Mauritshuis’ cozy setting and small size make it a very comfortable museum to visit. There are only about 250 paintings on display, and usually no crowds. It offers you a sense of privacy rarely felt in major museums. 

The collection is displayed in a small palace dating back to the Golden Age. This building is a part of the historical ensemble of the Binnenhof—a medieval palace that houses the Dutch Parliament since the 15th c. The King opens its fall session from the historical Ridderzaal—the Hall of Knights.

The tour of the Mauritshuis includes an overview of the Binnenhof. We will take a short walk around the historic center of The Hague and talk about a few crucial moments in Dutch history, which complement the art story of the Golden Age.

The tour route can be adapted to your wishes. If you come by train from Amsterdam, the guide can meet you at Central Station and accompany you back after the tour. Alternatively, the tour can begin and end in front of the Mauritshuis.