How long does it take to walk the Lange Voorhout area?

A dedicated walk through the Lange Voorhout and surrounding art sites typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend inside the various museums.

Is the Escher Museum worth visiting?

Yes, Escher in the Palace is highly recommended. It is housed in a former royal palace and contains the world's largest collection of M.C. Escher's work, including his most famous 'impossible' prints.

Can I see the Panorama Mesdag without a guide?

Absolutely. This self-guided walk leads you directly to the Panorama Mesdag, where you can experience the 360-degree immersive painting at your own pace.

What is the distance of this art walking route?

The total walking distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (about 0.9 miles), making it an easy and accessible stroll through the city center.

Are the museums in The Hague open on Mondays?

Most museums in The Hague, including Escher in the Palace and Museum Bredius, are typically closed on Mondays. It is best to plan this walk from Tuesday to Sunday.

Is this walking route suitable for families?

Yes, children often find the optical illusions at the Escher Museum and the '3D' effect of the Panorama Mesdag particularly engaging.

Where can I find the best views of the Binnenhof?

The best views are from the edge of the Hofvijver pond, where you can see the reflection of the historic parliament buildings in the water.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step into a world where reality blurs with imagination on this self-guided walk through the artistic heart of The Hague. This walking route takes you along the Lange Voorhout, a boulevard often cited as one of the most beautiful in Europe, where the golden age of Dutch painting meets the mind-bending illusions of the modern era. As you explore independently, you will discover how The Hague evolved from a humble hunting ground into a sophisticated center for global diplomacy and world-class art. The journey begins with the refined elegance of private collections housed in 18th-century mansions, showcasing the meticulous detail of Dutch masters. You will then stroll under the canopy of ancient lime trees—originally planted by Emperor Charles V—toward the former winter palace of the Dutch royalty. This palace now serves as a dedicated space for M.C. Escher, whose impossible geometries and perpetual staircases challenge your perception of space. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of 'Hofstad' elegance, blending the regal atmosphere of the nearby Binnenhof with the creative energy of the Pulchri Studio. No exploration of art in The Hague is complete without experiencing the scale of 19th-century ambition. The route concludes at a massive, 360-degree cylindrical painting that transports you to the seaside of 1881. This self-guided adventure offers the flexibility to linger over a canvas or enjoy a coffee under the trees, providing a comprehensive look at the city's aesthetic legacy. Whether you are a fan of classical portraiture or surrealist graphics, this trail offers a curated path through the masterpieces that define the Dutch identity. Discover at your own pace why this specific corner of the city has inspired generations of creators and remains a primary destination for art lovers worldwide.

Highlights

The 18th-century elegance of Museum Bredius
Strolling the historic lime-tree-lined Lange Voorhout
M.C. Escher’s impossible woodcuts in a former royal palace
The iconic reflecting waters of the Hofvijver
The immersive 360-degree experience of Panorama Mesdag
The historic Pulchri Studio artists' society

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Museum Bredius

Start exploring with Zigway at this hidden gem of a museum. Once the private residence of Abraham Bredius, a legendary 19th-century art historian and director of the Mauritshuis, this 18th-century mansion houses his personal collection. As you walk through the period rooms, you aren't just looking at art; you are experiencing the lifestyle of a wealthy Dutch connoisseur. The collection features works by Rembrandt, Jan Steen, and Albert Cuyp. Notice the intimate atmosphere—it feels less like a public gallery and more like you have stepped back in time into a scholar's study. The building itself, with its ornate ceilings and original fireplaces, is as much a masterpiece as the paintings on the walls.

2

Pulchri Studio

Just a short stroll away is the Pulchri Studio, an artists' society founded in 1847. The name is Latin for 'out of a desire for the beautiful.' This was the beating heart of the Hague School of painters, a group that revolutionized Dutch landscape painting with their moody, atmospheric depictions of the North Sea coast. Unlike many static museums, Pulchri is a living institution where contemporary artists still exhibit their work. The building, a former city palace, has hosted royalty and commoners alike. Take a moment to appreciate the grand staircase and the high-ceilinged galleries that have served as a meeting place for the city's creative elite for over a century.

3

Lange Voorhout

You are now standing on what is arguably the most beautiful boulevard in the Netherlands. The L-shaped Lange Voorhout was designed in the 14th century, but it gained its current prestige in the 16th century when Emperor Charles V ordered four rows of lime trees to be planted here. Throughout history, this has been the 'catwalk' of The Hague, where the nobility came to see and be seen. Today, it hosts seasonal sculpture exhibitions and antique markets. Look at the surrounding buildings; many are now embassies or government offices, but they retain the stately facades that have defined the city's 'royal' character for hundreds of years.

4

Escher in the Palace

This building was once the winter palace of Queen Mother Emma, but today it houses the surreal world of M.C. Escher. As you enter, the contrast is striking: the traditional royal architecture provides a backdrop for Escher's woodcuts and lithographs of impossible buildings, birds morphing into fish, and hands drawing themselves. Escher was a master of mathematical art and optical illusion, and seeing his work in this regal setting adds a layer of irony. Don't miss the interactive floor on the top level, where you can experience his tricks of perspective first-hand. It is a journey from the classical past into a world where the laws of physics are merely suggestions.

5

Hofvijver

Walk toward the water to find the Hofvijver, the pond that marks the very birthplace of The Hague. To your left is the Binnenhof, the oldest House of Parliament in the world still in use. The reflection of the Gothic towers in the water is one of the most photographed spots in the country. This pond was originally a natural pool among the sand dunes, used by the Counts of Holland for their hunting lodge. Over the centuries, it was shaped into the rectangular mirror you see today. It serves as a symbolic bridge between the city’s political power and its artistic beauty, offering a moment of tranquility in the urban center.

6

Panorama Mesdag

The final stop on this art trail is a true marvel of the 19th century. Panorama Mesdag is a cylindrical painting, more than 14 meters high and 120 meters in circumference. Painted by Hendrik Willem Mesdag in 1881, it depicts the seaside resort of Scheveningen as it looked then. When you stand on the central observation platform, the combination of the vast canvas, natural light from above, and a foreground of real sand creates a perfect illusion of depth and reality. It is the oldest 19th-century panorama in the world still in its original location, predating cinema as an immersive entertainment experience. It is the ultimate masterpiece of perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Masterpieces & Illusions Art Trail is ideal, as it covers everything from Dutch Golden Age masters at Museum Bredius to the optical illusions of M.C. Escher and the massive Panorama Mesdag.