Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace)
The basics
The museum opened in 2002 with the world’s largest collection of Escher’s works, which seem to fit perfectly into Queen Emma’s opulent palace. Highlights include the vast woodcut Metamorphosis III as well as the In the Eye of Escher exhibition on the second story, with games focusing on perspective. The permanent displays include his early Italian landscapes, family portraits and many of his ingenious “impossible” optical illusion prints and woodcuts.
Things to know before you go
- The museum is great for families, with scavenger hunts and workshops for kids in the school holidays.
- On-site amenities include a museum store selling Escher-centric books and prints plus a café.
- Free app-based audio-guides are available, as well as headphone rentals.
- The entire palace is stroller- and wheelchair- accessible, but there's no accessible toilet.
How to get there
The museum is located on the elegant boulevard of Lange Voorhout in The Hague. It's easy to get to via public transportation, with tram line #1 stopping at nearby Kneuterdijk and lines #15 and #16 stopping at Korte Voorhout. The Museumkwartier parking complex is three minutes away on foot.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The palace is open daily from Tuesday through Sunday, though visitors must arrive half an hour or longer after closing time to be let in. There’s also a special breakfast program on Sunday mornings; participating guests can come for breakfast followed by early entry into the museum. Check the website for the most up-to-date information on special exhibits and activities.
Museum Quarter (Museumkwartier) Highlights
Many of The Hague's attractions are situated around the Museum Quarter, within walking distance of Het Paleis, making it possible to visit multiple highlights in one day. Popular options include the Museum Meermanno, which deals with the history of books; The Hague's Historic Museum, which focuses on the city; and the Museum Bredius, which displays European art in an 18th-century converted mansion.
- Square 1813 (Plein 1813)
- Mauritshuis
- Peace Palace (Vredespaleis)
- Inner Court & Hall of Knights (Binnenhof & Ridderzaal)
- Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort)
- Noordeinde Palace (Paleis Noordeinde)
- The Hague City Hall (Stadhuis)
- Panorama Mesdag
- Madurodam
- Scheveningen
- Museon
- Kunstmuseum Den Haag
- The Hague Museum of Photography (Fotomuseum Den Haag)
- Louwman Museum
- Sculptures by the Sea (Museum Beelden aan Zee)