A few words about The Hague

Museon - the discovery of science
The Museon derives its name from the Greek word 'Museion' with means the temple of the muses. The museum wasn't always the Museon, it originated from the Foundation of Education and the Museum of Education. The Foundation of Education was founded with the goal to provide the children with trips to the museum, to combine learning in school and a trip to a museum to give the children a unique learning experience. As a result of the educational process, the museum's collection began to expand rapidly with 75.000 objects in 1984. The museum therefore had to be renovated and moved several times while finally after the decision of the municipality of The Hague, the construction of a new museum in 1984 began. The museum is situated on a location where architects and urban developers in World War II gave special attention to size and construction material. The museum is a large building and has place for many different collections. It is dived into five main themes: geology, biology & environmental science, history & archaeology, psychics & technology and cultural anthropology. The museum is a learning experience for the whole family and offers guided tours which are chosen by the curators of the museum. There are several temporary exhibitions which regularly change. Kids can have fun making their own jewellery while you sit in the café and have a coffee.

Museum of Photography
The museum is a museum that is rather new; it opened up for the public in 2002 with a successful exhibition of Photography in the Netherlands dated from 1852 till 2002. In the same building as the museum, another museum is located, the GEM which is a museum for actual visual art for as well national as international artists. The Museum of Photography has ever changing exhibitions with different kinds of photo material such as reportages, nature-mort and retrospective. Admission is charged and keep in mind that taking photographs or filming is not allowed.

Mauritshuis
The Mauritshuis was designed by one of Holland's most famous architects. Located in the centre and owned by count Johan Maurits of Nassau Siegen, it was built in the year 1640. The museum's collection started in the year 1822 when the Royal Cabinet of Paintings was formed, world's famous art collection. For those who have seen the movie, it is interesting to know that the painting of Jan Vermeer is an important painting in the Mauritshuis. Besides Vermeer, there are as well paintings of Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Jan van Steen. The permanent exhibition of the Mauritshuis consists of paintings from the 15th till the 18th century. The paintings vary from biblical figures to Dutch and Belgian landscapes. The Mauritshuis location is in the centre of The Hague and worth having a look at. Even if you don't want to look around on the inside, just have a look at the beautiful building and how it was built in the typical Dutch style.

Haags Openbaar Vervoer Museum
The Hague's Museum of Public Transport is located in an old depot of The Hague's public transport, which was constructed in 1906. After a few renovations, the Museum of Public Transport was officially declared a museum in the year 1984. The museum has a collection of 28 trams which are all part of the exhibition. Additional material such as photographs, video material and small models of trams show the public how the public transport in The Hague has developed over the years. The museum is an experience by itself and an interesting feature of the museum is that you have the opportunity to buy bus or trams parts.

Leisure activities
Although the sea in Holland is quite cold, it's not necessary to take a dip in the sea. It's worthwhile to walk on the beach and let the wind blow your hair in your face. The Hague, Scheveningen is the best place to do that. A long beach with a long coastline. Walk and hear the seagulls screaming, watch them catching their food from the sea. When you feel like running, take your frisbee with you. Sit and have a coffee at the several restaurants and café's on the coastline. Maybe a snack, if you like fish of course, there's an abundance of fish food. Visit the casino at the Kurhaus but the most important is, just relax, have a nice day and feel the spirit of the sea.

Shopping
Shop until you drop in The Hague. There are several shopping malls in the centre of the Hague which offer the usual, clothing, food & drinks, music, video's, DVD's, everything you want. However, if you want something second-hand, music or movies stop by at the 'Plaatboef', where you can buy something for yourself at a nice price. Don't forget to buy a nice souvenir for your friends or family at home, maybe a windmill or typical Dutch wooden shoes.