The renovation and expansion of the Haags Historisch Museum (The Hague Historical Museum) has reached an important milestone, with construction reaching its highest point. To mark the occasion, Alderman for Culture Lotte van Basten Batenburg and Museum Director Tjeerd Vrij raised The Hague’s flag on the roof of the building.
The ceremony is a traditional way of recognising the work of the construction teams involved in the project, which aims to create a more accessible, sustainable and welcoming museum for residents and visitors.
“Reaching the highest point is a wonderful moment. A great deal of work is being done here to create a renewed, future-proof Haags Historisch Museum. Thanks to the efforts of many skilled workers, residents and visitors will soon once again be able to enjoy everything the museum has to offer,” said Alderman Van Basten Batenburg.
Renovation Well Underway
The museum, located in The Hague’s historic Museum Quarter near the Hofvijver, has been closed for renovation since autumn 2024.
Much of the demolition work has now been completed. The building’s façades and window frames have been cleaned, painted and repaired where necessary, and the restored façade overlooking the Hofvijver is now visible following the removal of the scaffolding.
The renovation will make the museum more accessible to people with disabilities and better equipped to welcome school groups. Sustainability improvements include the installation of a heat pump and solar panels.
Additional space is also being created for exhibitions, educational programmes and public activities, allowing the museum to welcome a broader audience.
Unexpected Challenges During Construction
Renovating a historic building comes with its own challenges. During the work, old foundations and a former watercourse were discovered underground, requiring adjustments to the plans for the new foundations.
The project has also faced difficulties with some of its planned sustainability improvements because of congestion on the electricity grid, an issue affecting developments across the Netherlands.
Museum Director Tjeerd Vrij joined the alderman to inspect the progress of the work and recognise the contributions of those involved.
“Reaching the highest point is an important moment in the museum’s renewal. That’s why we’re pleased to take this opportunity to acknowledge the skilled workers who are making such a significant contribution to the project,” he said.
The Hague’s History Remains Accessible
Although the museum building is temporarily closed, parts of its collection remain available to the public.
One of its best-known works, Gezicht op Den Haag (View of The Hague) by 17th-century Dutch painter Jan van Goyen, is currently on display free of charge in the Atrium of The Hague City Hall.
The large city panorama depicts The Hague as it appeared in the 17th century and is one of the highlights of the museum’s collection.
During the renovation, the museum continues to organise activities, including guided walks around the city and educational programmes in schools. Important works from its collection are also being loaned to other museums, allowing visitors to continue discovering The Hague’s history.
Reopening Planned for 2028
The renovated and expanded museum is expected to reopen in mid-2028.
The plans include improved visitor facilities, additional exhibition space and a new entrance on Tournooiveld, making the museum more accessible and easier to navigate.
The completed project will bring together the museum’s historic building and new facilities, creating more opportunities to explore the city’s past and present.
More information:
Gemeente Den Haag – Original Press Release (Dutch):
https://www.denhaag.nl/pers/persberichten/renovatie-en-uitbreiding-haags-historisch-museum-bereikt-hoogste-punt/
Haags Historisch Museum – Renovation and Expansion:
https://haagshistorischmuseum.nl/museum/vernieuwing-museum-2024-2028/
Haags Historisch Museum – Official Website:
https://haagshistorischmuseum.nl/
Source: Gemeente Den Haag / Haags Historisch Museum
Translation to English/Editing: The Hague Online
Image Credit: Gemeente Den Haag / Martijn Beekman
