Visit the Mauritshuis and admire the way in which Vermeer portrays the play of the light on the water in his famous View of Delft, come face to face with his famous work Girl with a Pearl Earring or examine a self-portrait and other works by the famous Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. The temple-like building itself is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dutch classicism.
The Mauritshuis was designed in the early 17th century by the Dutch architect Jacob van Campen. He was the founder of the Dutch classicist style, which incorporates Greek and Roman design aspects. Its columns, high windows and ornate portico are all balanced in perfect symmetry. The stately building was designed as a residence for Johan Maurits, then a governor of Brazil. It became a museum in 1822.
Take in the museum’s collection of Dutch and Flemish painters as you wander its large halls. Admire the Rembrandts, including The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and Vermeers. Meisje met de parel (Girl with a Pearl Earring) alone is worth visiting for. The striking portrait has been in the collection since 1902 and the girl in the picture has always been a source of mystery, inspiring the 1999 novel by Tracy Chevalier, which was followed by the 2003 film.
Don’t leave before you have seen equally fascinating masterpieces from other Dutch masters from the Golden Age, including The Bull by Paulus Potter and a series of portraits by Frans Hals.
Get a more in-depth perspective of some of the highlights of the collection with a guided tour. Tours have a fee and are conducted in various languages. Or, download the Mauritshuis App onto your smartphone and take a self-guided tour. After your visit, review the artworks online at the official Mauritshuis website.
The Mauritshuis is located in The Hague city centre, next to the Binnenhof. The museum is closed on Christmas and News Years. There is an admission fee. After your visit, head to the north bank of the Hofvijver (Royal Pond) for one of the best views of the building.
