The Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague houses one of the world’s finest collections of Dutch Golden Age paintings in an intimate setting.
Located in a 17th-century mansion, this small museum offers visitors a chance to see iconic masterpieces up close in a setting that feels more like a wealthy collector’s home than a typical art museum.
What To See At the Mauritshuis Museum
The museum’s crown jewel is Johannes Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” often called the “Dutch Mona Lisa.” This portrait draws visitors from around the globe.
But it’s far from the only highlight.
You’ll also find Rembrandt’s “The Anatomy Lesson,” a groundbreaking work highlighting his remarkable skill with light and composition.
Another must-see is Carel Fabritius’ The Goldfinch, a small but beautifully detailed painting that inspired Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.
The level of detail in this tiny work is astonishing, especially considering it survived a gunpowder explosion that killed the artist.
The Mauritshuis collection spans the 15th to 18th centuries, focusing on the Dutch Golden Age.
Here, you’ll see works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob van Ruisdael, and Flemish painters such as Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck.
Don’t miss the opportunity to view Vermeer’s “View of Delft,” a masterpiece of light and atmosphere that captures the artist’s hometown (although he took some artistical freedoms).
It’s a rare cityscape from a painter generally known for his intimate interiors.
With some imagination, you can still see the same view today.
When I visit, I always feel overwhelmed. The hallways are especially stuffed with art, which causes me to lose focus and feel that the work is exceptional.
I love the exhibition rooms much more. They’re themed and have beautiful wallpaper.
So start there, not the hallways. Do them in the end. And when you do, take it in slowly.
Search purposefully for details, and it will be a lot more enjoyable. Don’t try to take it in as “one view.”
About the Museum
What sets the Mauritshuis apart is its size. With about 200 works on display, you can see everything in 2-3 hours without feeling overwhelmed.
The museum’s recent renovation has added modern amenities (and a beautiful entrance) while preserving the historic parts of the home, creating a perfect balance of old and new.
The museum’s audio guide is not available at the museum itself. You must download the Mauritshuis App to your phone (free) and bring your headphones.
It’s worth doing since the audio tour provides insightful commentary on key works, helping you appreciate the major paintings even more.
The Mauritshuis offers a more personal experience than many larger museums since it’s located in a former home. But its smaller size also makes it busy and crowded.
Often, rooms are closed for a while for crowd control, so please bring some patience.
Top 10 Highlights of the Mauritshuis You Must See
Here are my top 10 favorites that no visit would be complete without:
- Girl with the Pearl Earring – Johannes Vermeer (Get here already, or be prepared to line up, or get lucky, but however busy worth it)
- The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp – Rembrandt van Rijn (not easy to look at, at first, at least I found it difficult, but beautifully done)
- Goldfinch by Fabritius (sadly, Carel Fabritius died early in a disaster in Delft, but this man could paint. This bird is his best-known work)
- Johannes Vermeer’s – View of Delft (One of my favorite paintings by Vermeer because it brings him to the now, that view can still be seen)
- Laughing Boy – Frans Hals (He is known for large portraits and group photos, but this small photo takes your breath; it took mine)
- Old Woman and Boy with Candle Peter Paul Rubens (Most would say Diana and Her Nymphs, but my favorite is this picture by candlelight)
- Ice Scene – Hendrick Avercamp (My favorite winter painter is Avercamp, and a prime example is at the Rijks, but this one is wonderful too)
- Still Life with Books and a Violin – Jan Davidsz de Heem (known for his still life paintings, but this is insane. Look at it. You can read the small print)
- The Bull by Paulus Potter (This painting makes no sense at first; why paint something so normal, so big. Still, the attention to detail is fantastic)
- Mother Combing Her Child’s Hair – Gerard ter Borch (what I find so special about this painting is how completely absorbed they are in what they’re doing)
And there is a lot more to discover. I promise you.
Is photography allowed in the Mauritshuis?
Photography without flash is permitted in most areas, but some temporary exhibitions may have restrictions. Do not get too close to the artwork, or you will attract the unwanted attention of security staff.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, I recommend this guided private tour with a resident of The Hague. Tickets are excluded from the tour prices. Please book your ticket in advance with the right time slot.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, the Mauritshuis is fully accessible, with elevators and wheelchair-friendly facilities. However, the crowds might make it less comfortable to move around. Come early or later in the day to beat some of the crowds.
How to Get To The Hague
It’s easiest to travel by train or taxi.
If you take the train The Hague has more than one station. The two main stations served by fast Intercity trains from Amsterdam are The Hague Central Station and The Hague Hollands Spoor (HS) Station.
I wrote a separate article about how to get from Amsterdam to the Hague for more details.
You can walk to the museum from both train stations, but Central Station is much closer. So, pick that one.
I recommend buying your train tickets online in advance. If you do so in advance and you travel off-peak (after 9 am on weekdays and not between 4 pm and 6:30 pm or all-day weekends), you get a nice discount (the earlier you book the higher the discount).
Print the tickets with a printer or download them to the train app. Make sure to have internet while you travel when you do.
Prefer A Private Taxi?
A taxi is more expensive but gives you freedom and ease of use.
You have a private vehicle and are picked up from your accommodation. You do not have to handle schedules, traffic, transfers, tickets, or other passengers.
Booking a taxi in advance rather than asking your hotel to arrange one can save a lot of money—quite often about 50% of the going rate.
I recommend booking your taxi here for lower prices.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article helped you decide to travel to this museum.
If you enjoy Dutch and Flemish paintings, then this world-famous collection of 17th-century art will not disappoint you, I promise you.
The Hague offers a lot more to those interested in culture.
The museum is in the heart of The Hague, next to the Dutch parliament buildings.
After your visit, I recommend you take a stroll around the Hofvijver pond for picturesque views of the museum and surrounding historic government buildings.
Then the Escher Museum is a great choice, just a few minutes away by foot. Here, nothing is what it seems. M.C. Escher was a master artist who challenged our perception of reality through his mathematically-inspired works.
The famous Van Mesdag Museum is another small museum not to be missed with an incredible 360-degree circular painting of the beach in Scheveningen.
Did you do enough museums? You can only have so many museums, then head to Madurodam for a classic display of the Netherlands in miniature.
Or go to Scheveningen Beach, a simple tram ride away. Stroll along the beach, grab something to eat, and maybe ride the Ferris Wheel.
I can think of worse ways to end the day.
Have a lot of fun. And safe travels.
PS: Here are some more ideas for things to do in the area:
