The Hague: Mauritshuis Entrance Ticket

Key Points

• Affordable entry at $23 per person for access to the main collection and temporary exhibitions
• Approximate visit duration of 1.5 hours, allowing a relaxed exploration
• Home to renowned works such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson
• Beautiful 17th-century building, located next to the Parliament, with views of the pond through its windows
• Multimedia app available for a deeper understanding of artworks, enhancing the self-guided experience
• Wheelchair accessible with specific size limits for mobility aid use

You can check availability for your dates here:

Explore the Mauritshuis Collection in a 17th-Century City Palace

The Mauritshuis in The Hague offers a compact yet world-famous collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings. For $23, visitors gain access to over 200 masterpieces housed in a stunning 17th-century city palace right in the heart of The Hague. The building itself is worth the visit, with silken wall coverings, sparkling chandeliers, and painted ceilings that highlight its historic charm.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy art at a relaxed pace. It lasts around 1.5 hours, giving ample time to appreciate the artworks without feeling rushed. The museum’s central location next to the Parliament makes it easily accessible, and viewing the pond from the windows adds a peaceful backdrop to the experience.

Facing the Masterpieces: Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring

The highlight of the collection is Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, which visitors can see face to face. This painting draws crowds due to its famous status and remarkable beauty. The museum’s layout allows visitors to get a close look at this iconic work, offering the chance to appreciate Vermeer’s delicate brushwork and subtle details.

The museum staff ensures the artwork is well protected, but the viewing experience remains intimate. Open access to such a famous painting offers a rare opportunity to admire a masterpiece that is often kept behind glass or in distant galleries elsewhere.

Rembrandt and Other Dutch Masters on Display

Beyond Vermeer, the Mauritshuis showcases Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Tulp, a notable 17th-century painting that highlights Rembrandt’s mastery of light and detail. The collection also features Goldfinch by Fabritius, a small but stunning painting known for its vivid detail.

Other works include genre paintings by Jan Steen, landscapes by Jacob van Ruisdael, still lifes by Adriaen Coorte, and portraits by Rubens. This diversity ensures visitors experience a broad range of Dutch and Flemish art styles from the 17th century, all within the museum’s manageable size.

The Architecture and Interior of the 17th-Century Palace

The building’s architecture makes the visit special. The museum’s interior combines historic charm with elegant design, featuring monumental painted ceilings and sparkling chandeliers. The interior’s intimate setting provides a cozy atmosphere, ideal for appreciating the artworks without overwhelming crowds.

The views from the windows overlooking the pond contribute a serene backdrop, enhancing the experience of viewing Dutch masterpieces. The historic ambiance heightens the sense of standing in a piece of 17th-century history.

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Using the Multimedia App for an Enriched Experience

Visitors can download the free Mauritshuis multimedia app, which offers an audio guide and additional information about the artworks. This self-guided tour makes it easy to learn more about each piece at your own pace.

The app is compatible with smartphones and tablets, and it complements the self-paced visit. For those who enjoy detailed insights, this multimedia guide can enrich the viewing and bring artworks to life with historical context and artistic details.

Practical Information: Accessibility, Entry, and Booking

The Mauritshuis is wheelchair accessible, though specific size limits apply for wheelchairs. The entrance ticket includes access to the main collection and any temporary exhibitions that are on display during your visit.

Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, and timed slots help manage visitor flow. No guide or physical audio device is included, but the free multimedia app offers a comprehensive self-guided experience.

Visiting the Museum: Tips and Recommendations

Visitors are advised to bring headphones if they wish to use the multimedia app comfortably. The museum prohibits selfie sticks, flash photography, and large luggage or bags, so plan accordingly.
The museum is not very crowded, especially early in the day, which allows for a more relaxed viewing of the artworks.

The on-site restaurant and coffee shop provide options for a quick refreshment, although they are not included in the ticket price. The museum’s central location also means you can easily combine the visit with nearby attractions like the Binnenhof.

The Significance of the Temporary Exhibition

From February 13 to June 29, 2025, the “Facing the Storm” exhibition commemorates the eighty years since Dutch liberation during World War II. This exhibit explores the museum’s wartime history, including propaganda exhibitions and the challenges faced during German occupation.

This temporary exhibition offers a historical perspective beyond the collection, especially highlighting Menno de Groot’s personal wartime experiences, which are aimed at educating younger visitors. It adds a layer of historical depth to the visit, making it more meaningful.

The Overall Value of the Mauritshuis Entrance Ticket

At $23 per person, the ticket provides exceptional value given the prestige of the collection and central location. The flexibility to visit at your own pace and access temporary exhibitions enhances the experience.

The positive reviews highlight helpful staff, easy ticketing, and well-organized displays. Many visitors praise the visual impact of the paintings and the building’s architecture. The app-guided experience is especially appreciated for its clarity and depth.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This entrance ticket to the Mauritshuis suits art lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking quality cultural experiences in The Hague. Its manageable size and outstanding collection make it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, self-guided visit.

While the price is affordable, those interested in multiple Dutch masterpieces or iconic works like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring will find this tour particularly rewarding. It offers a beautiful blend of history, art, and architecture in a convenient and highly praised setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the visit typically last?
The average visit duration is about 1.5 hours, which allows enough time to see the key artworks and enjoy the building’s ambiance.

What artworks are the main highlights?
The main highlights include Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson, Goldfinch by Fabritius, and works by other Dutch masters like Jan Steen and Rubens.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Mauritshuis is wheelchair accessible, but specific size limits apply for wheelchairs.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
It is recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment, especially during busy periods.

Can I use the museum’s multimedia app without a guide?
Yes, the free multimedia app is designed for self-guided tours and enhances the experience with audio explanations about the artworks.

Are there any restrictions on photography?
Flash photography and selfie sticks are not allowed, but photo without flash is generally permitted.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket grants entry to the main collection and temporary exhibitions. WiFi is also available.

How many artworks are on display?
The museum hosts more than 200 masterpieces, all accessible with the ticket.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included; visitors can purchase items at the museum’s café and restaurant.

What is the significance of the temporary exhibition in 2025?
The “Facing the Storm” exhibition marks eighty years since Dutch liberation and explores the wartime history of the Mauritshuis during WWII.

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