Haags Historisch Museum in The Hague: Is it worth visiting?
If you want to understand The Hague not just as a city of government buildings and international institutions, but as a vibrant city with a long history, Haags Historisch Museum is a very fitting place. However, the museum is currently closed for renovations, so it's better to plan your visit after it reopens.
What you could see there
The museum is dedicated to the history of The Hague — from the small settlement of Die Haghe to the modern international city. Its collection consists of about 7,500 items: cityscapes, portraits, paintings, silver guild vases, dollhouses, and items related to the everyday life of its residents.
Among the particularly notable exhibits is a nearly five-meter panorama of The Hague by Jan van Goyen, paintings by Jan van Ravesteyn, Paulus Constantijn la Fargue, and Jan Steen. There are also quite unusual historical items, including fragments related to the brothers Johan and Cornelis de Witt.
The building and location
The museum is located on Korte Vijverberg, next to the Hofvijver water body — right in the historical center of The Hague. It operates in the former guild house of Saint Sebastian, where members of the city’s shooting organization once gathered.
That’s why the building here is not just a backdrop for the exhibition: it adds a sense of traveling back in time to your visit. After the museum, it’s convenient to continue your walk through the historical center, as the main attractions of The Hague are located very close by.
So is it worth planning a visit?
Yes — especially if you love urban stories, old paintings, and museums that explain the character of a place through specific items. But currently, Haags Historisch Museum is closed due to a multi-year renovation and expansion, so you won’t be able to spontaneously step inside.
Save it for future planning: it’s a good option for a leisurely stroll through The Hague when you want to see not the city’s grand image, but its memory, residents, and strange details of the past. How do you prefer to get to know a city — through museums or long walks down its streets?
