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The Hague

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Things to see in The Hague

Tourist information: 

VVV Den Haag
Hofweg 1, 2511 AA Den Haag
Tel: (070) 361 8860.
www.denhaag.com

Binnenhof

Guided tours of the ornate interior of the Dutch Parliament include an introductory audio-visual presentation, followed by a tour through the largely reconstructed 17th-century Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights), which is the oldest part of the complex, and either the first or parliamentary Second Chamber.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 1000-1600.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Binnenhof 8A, 2513 AA , The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 364 6144.
Website: www.binnenhofbezoek.nl
Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in The Palace)

Enter the famously mind-boggling works of the great Dutch graphic artist M C Escher (1898-1972), collected together into this former royal winter palace, with the bonus of virtual reality 3D headsets and other clever interactive devices; it's worth a visit just for the 15 playful glass chandeliers, in the shapes of a shark, a sea horse, a spider and a skull. These were made in the Czech Republic especially for the museum, which opened in 2002.

Opening Times: Tue-Sun 1100-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 427 7730.
Website: www.escherinhetpaleis.nl
Gemeentemuseum Den Haag (The Hague Municipal Museum)

This internationally renowned collection of modern art is famous for its Piet Mondrian works but there is also work by Picasso and others, and a fine collection of decorative arts, including several complete room interiors, and the building, completed in 1935 by the great Dutch architect H P Berlage is a major attraction in itself.

Opening Times: Tue-Sun 1100-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Stadhoudersalaan 41, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 338 1111.
Website: www.gemeentemuseum.nl
Madurodam

The Netherlands in miniature: Madurodam park is situated between two typically Dutch dikes, and features a large array of 1:25 scale models buildings, transportation and much more. Working windmills, reproductions of some of Holland's most famous buildings, and a working railway are just some of the attractions at this extremely popular venue, which appeals to adults and children alike.

Opening Times: Daily 0900-1800 (Sep-Mar); daily 0900-2000 (Apr-Jun); daily 0900-2300 (Jul-Aug).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ Den Haag, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 416 2400.
Website: www.madurodam.nl
Mauritshuis

The city's Royal Picture Gallery, housed in a 17th-century palace, features an outstanding collection of Dutch Old Masters starring the hauntingly beautiful (now Hollywood-famous) Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer and The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Tulp by Rembrandt. It also houses an extensive collection of 16th century Flemish masterpieces. The building itself is notable as an early example of Dutch classic baroque architecture. It will be closed for renovation for two years from 2012.

Opening Times: Tue-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1100-1700; Mon 1000-1700 (Apr-Sep only).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Korte Vijverberg 8, 2513 AB Den Haag, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 302 3456.
Website: www.mauritshuis.nl
Museumship Mercuur A856

Former US Navy and Royal Dutch navy minesweeper HM Mercuur retired from service in 1987, and is now moored in Scheveningen harbour. Aboard, visitors can learn about life at sea in the navy, and see every aspect of the ship from the engine room to the bridge. Guided tours of the vessel, conducted by former navy personnel, are available.

Opening Times: Daily 1000-1600 (May-Oct); Wed and Sat-Sun only 1000-1600 (Nov-Apr).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Schokkerweg (2e binnenhaven), 2583 Scheveningen, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 354 0315.
Website: www.museumschip-mercuur.nl
Panorama Mesdag

This extraordinary 360-degree painting-in-the-round (measuring 120m by 14m), was completed in 1881 and shows Scheveningen as it was then, with its trompe-l'oeil effect enhanced by a sloping foreground of real sand dunes complete with grasses and seaside flotsam.

Opening Times: Mon-Sat 1000-1700, Sun 1200-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Zeestraat 65, 2518 AA Den Haag, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 364 4544.
Website: www.panorama-mesdag.com
Van Kleef Museum

Dutch gin, known as 'genever' is a national institution in the Netherlands, and one of the best places to experience it and its culture is at the Van Kleef Museum and distillery, the latter which operated in the centre of The Hague from the 1840s to 1988, also producing distinctive liqueurs. Now a museum dedicated to gin, it offers tasting sessions and an unusual events venue.

Opening Times: Mon 1300-1800, Tue-Sat 100-1800.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Lange Beestenmarkt 109, 2512 ED Den Haag, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 345 2273.
Website: www.museumvankleef.nl
Vredespaleis (Peace Palace)

The Hague's most beautiful and famous building, the Peace Palace, built 1907-13, with its pretty gardens and grandly decorated chambers, is the symbol of the city's role in international law and order (though war crime tribunals are held elsewhere); admission and guided tours only for groups and by advance booking. The 1100 and 1500 tours include a visit to the palace's museum.

Opening Times: Tours available Mon-Fri at 1000, 1100, 1400, 1500, and 1600 (May-Sep only).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: Yes
Unesco: No
Address: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag, The Hague, Netherlands
Telephone: (070) 302 4242.
Website: www.vredespaleis.nl

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