Kunstmuseum Den Haag
Museum The Hague museum focusing on fine and applied arts
The Kunstmuseum in The Hague houses modern and decorative arts, with important Mondrian holdings, fashion and photography collections; tourists come for major exhibitions and the museum’s distinctive architecture.
Kunstmuseum Den Haag is a major municipal art museum in The Hague, Netherlands, focused on modern and contemporary visual art; the building opened in 1935 and was long known as the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag. It is one of the Netherlands’ principal museums for 19th- and 20th-century art, design and fashion.
The museum’s permanent displays include painting, sculpture, applied arts and prints with dedicated galleries for modern movements and Dutch abstraction. Exhibition spaces are sizable and arranged to show large-scale canvases and design objects together, and the museum also stages temporary international exhibitions in multiple galleries.
The museum was housed and opened in the purpose-built Berlage-designed building in 1935; its institutional collection grew through municipal acquisitions and loans across the 20th century. The institution was rebranded as Kunstmuseum Den Haag in 2019 while maintaining its historical collections and building.
Located in central The Hague, the museum sits within the city’s cultural quarter and is within walking distance of the city center and governmental district. It is accessible by public transport and is set among other civic landmarks and parks.
- Mondrian and De Stijl: Several important works by Piet Mondrian and other De Stijl artists are concentrated here, with dedicated galleries for early 20th-century Dutch abstraction.
- Architecture viewing: The building itself is considered an architectural highlight of The Hague and is best viewed on a guided tour to appreciate original design details.
What to See #
- Collections: Holds distinct departments for modern and contemporary painting, applied arts and a print room with rotating displays of graphic works and photographs.
- Berlage building: The museum building was designed by architect H.P. Berlage and opened in 1935; its architecture is noted for wide galleries and a geometric layout.
- Exhibition galleries: Temporary exhibition galleries stage international loans and thematic shows alongside the permanent displays of 19th and 20th century art.
How to Get to Kunstmuseum Den Haag #
Kunstmuseum is in The Hague, a short tram or bus ride from Den Haag Centraal station (Trams 1 and 17 serve nearby stops). The city’s compact center makes it walkable from many hotels; bicycle parking is available.
Tips for Visiting Kunstmuseum Den Haag #
- Check opening times for special exhibitions and conservation projects, which sometimes close sections temporarily.
- Visit the sculpture garden and the museum's permanent collection early to avoid crowds.
- Use the museum café as a quiet place to read the exhibition catalogues; the building's light is excellent for downtime.
Best Time to Visit Kunstmuseum Den Haag #
Weekday mornings offer the quietest experience; check for late openings or concerts tied to exhibitions.
Weather & Climate near Kunstmuseum Den Haag #
Kunstmuseum Den Haag's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (842 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 (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (46 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 (50 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 (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (67 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 (92 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.
