The 5 most inspiring art museums in The Hague

Two museums under one roof. KM21 organises visual arts exhibitions featuring contemporary young talent. The Fotomuseum offers temporary exhibitions of photographers of the past as well as the present, such as Sally Mann, Emmy Andriesse, Anton Corbijn, Man Ray and Erwin Olaf.

In the dune underneath the pavilion that King William I built for his wife, Theo and Lida Scholten created a beautiful museum for their sculpture collection. Expect modern and contemporary sculptures of international fame. With its smart design and outside terraces overlooking the sea, the building alone is worth a visit.

This modern, airy museum is built on an old estate just outside The Hague and houses the largest private art collection in the Netherlands, the so called Caldic Collection of Joop van Caldenborgh. Some captivating artworks on permanent display are works by world-renowned modern and contemporary artists like James Turrell, Richard Serra, Song Dong and Ron Mueck. The museum also hosts cutting-edge art exhibitions.

Stepping into this cylindrical painting is like stepping into a life-size 1881 Scheveningen: fishermen at sea, ships ashore, and the city of the Hague in the distance. The Hague School painter Mesdag captured the image while standing on a dune, and a visit to this museum is like standing there next to him. Many of these so-called cycloramas have disappeared, but Mesdag managed to save his from destruction.

The Kunstmuseum, until recently known as the Gemeentemuseum, is famous for its extensive Mondrian collection and leading exhibitions. However, the impressive contemporary art, fashion and decorative art collection is not the only attraction. The museum building itself is also very inspiring. It’s one of the best works of architect Berlage and a real showpiece. The daylit galleries, the impressive entrance hall, the marble floors, the coloured tiles: this intimate art temple is a must-visit.