Beelden aan Zee
Museum Museum in The Hague dedicated to contemporary sculpture
A museum in Scheveningen focused on sculpture and contemporary installation, Beelden aan Zee sits by the North Sea; visitors come for sculpture exhibitions, museum programs and seaside walks.
Beelden aan Zee is a museum in Scheveningen, The Hague, dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary sculpture. Its location and architectural design respond directly to the seaside setting.
Permanent and temporary exhibitions focus on three-dimensional work by national and international artists, ranging from figurative sculpture to contemporary installation pieces. Galleries are arranged to accommodate sculpture at room scale and often include single-artist shows and themed group exhibitions.
The museum was established in the late 20th century to provide a dedicated venue for sculpture and has hosted a range of international exhibitions since its opening. Its seafront presence makes it a distinct cultural stop on the Scheveningen promenade.
Sited on the Scheveningen beachfront, the museum is a short walk from the Kurhaus and the Scheveningen Pier in the coastal district of The Hague.
- Building design: The building's largely subterranean layout and terrace on the seafront are integral to how the museum displays sculpture and frames views of the North Sea.
What to See #
- Subterranean galleries: Exhibition halls and gallery spaces are largely set below street level, designed to protect indoor artworks from wind and salt air while providing a controlled exhibition environment.
- Sea-facing terrace: A terrace and visitor area face the North Sea, offering sea views from the museum and a public-facing spot on the Scheveningen boulevard.
How to Get to Beelden aan Zee #
Beelden aan Zee is on the Scheveningen boulevard in The Hague. From Den Haag Centraal take tram 9 toward Scheveningen and alight at Kurhaus or stop Statenkwartier (Gevers Deynootplein); it’s a 2-5 minute walk from the tram stop. From The Hague HS, trams 1 and 9 also run toward Scheveningen.
Tips for Visiting Beelden aan Zee #
- Buy tickets online to avoid queues on summer weekends and to guarantee entry to temporary exhibitions.
- Visit the sculpture garden along the Scheveningen seafront at low tide for unobstructed sightlines to some works.
- Don't miss the museum's glass-walled café for views down to the beach - the changing North Sea light is part of the experience.
Best Time to Visit Beelden aan Zee #
A museum dedicated to modern figurative sculpture on Scheveningen's promenade, best visited when sea light makes the outdoor works sing or on quieter winter weekdays for the galleries.
Weather & Climate near Beelden aan Zee #
Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (840 mm/year).
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.