he Arts Society The Hague (https://theartssociety.org/the-hague) invites you to join us for the 8th lecture of the season given by Tomothy Walker on ‘The Gardens as Fine Art’ on Tuesday 12th May 2026 at 20.00 hours in the Atrium of R.C Parish ‘Church of Our Saviour’, Helenastraat 8, 2595HA The Hague.
In 1882 Gertrude Jekyll urged gardeners to ‘remember that in a garden we are painting a picture’. This talk not only looks at how to exploit colour when designing a border, but it also looks at the ways in which a border is different from a painting. It will conclude by looking at how contemporary work of Rothko and Jackson Pollack have evolved in parallel with ideas about what a border should look like.
Mr Timothy Walker
I read Botany at University College Oxford. After graduation, I worked as a trainee at Oxford Botanic Garden, the Savill Garden Windsor, and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. In 1995 I was awarded a Master of Horticulture by the Royal Horticultural Society of London.
From 1988 to 2014 I was director (Horti Praefectus) at the Oxford Botanic Garden. Between 1992 & 2000 the OBGHA won 4 gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show London. In 2009 the Botanic Garden was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for providing imaginative educational programmes for adults, students, children, and the general public, thereby breathing new life into education for people of all ages and enriching their lives.
In 2010 I was elected as a Fellow of the Linnaean Society of London. In the same year I presented a 3-part series of films on the history of botany on BBC4.
Since 2014 I have been a tutor in Plant Biology at Somerville College, Oxford.
This will be a live lecture with the lecturer physically present in the Atrium. We are hoping that members and Guests will take the opportunity to come to the Atrium.
For those unable to be present at the Atrium, this lecture will also be streamed via a Zoom to those who registered.
You are requested to sign up for the lecture beforehand, also if you are coming to join us in person at the Atrium, by clicking on the sentence below at the ‘How to book this event’ section.
HOW TO BOOK THIS EVENT:
Registration is open and will close at midnight 10 MAY 26.
CineMusic Films Live Special in Concert connects the intensity of a symphonic orchestra with the emotion of film. On this concert evening in The Hague, presented by René Mioch, iconic film music and carefully selected film scenes are brought together into one immersive live experience. This edition is a special, featuring the large CineMusic Film Orchestra and a 24-member CineMusic Choir. From the first to the last note, the performance evokes goosebumps, recognition, and emotion. CineMusic is coming to Amare in The Hague on May 13.
Under the direction of conductor Henk Ummels, the CineMusic Orchestra, consisting of musicians from the Metropole Orchestra, the Residentie Orchestra, and the Schönberg Ensemble, among others, performs world-famous film music live while original film scenes are shown on the big screen. CineMusic selects the scenes itself so that image and music align perfectly. Image and sound come together in, among others, Interstellar (composer Hans Zimmer), Tintin (composer John Williams), The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (by composer Ennio Moricone), How to Train Your Dragon (by composer John Powell), and many other film compositions.
Teamwork
The evening is hosted by film journalist René Mioch, who takes the audience on a journey with anecdotes and stories about the films and composers. Together with the live music, this creates an evening that goes beyond a traditional concert or film screening. CineMusic performs in theaters and concert halls throughout the country and has given more than eighty successful concerts to date, including a sold-out special at the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The audience rates the concerts an average of 9+, making CineMusic one of the highest-rated live music experiences in the Netherlands. “The moment the orchestral music coincided with that famous film scene… it really gave me goosebumps. It was like reliving the film, almost even more intensely.”
Belgian Stephan Vanfleteren (1969), one of the most acclaimed photographers of the moment, has been commissioned by the Mauritshuis to create new work. This will be on display from April 23 in the exhibition Pentimenti – Stephan Vanfleteren among the Masters. Sixteen photographs, fifteen of which are new, are inspired by 17th-century paintings from the museum collection and are shown among the masterpieces. Vanfleteren was previously involved with the Mauritshuis during the anniversary exhibition FLASH | BACK (2022). The impressive photograph he took at the time, inspired by Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1632), is now also on display again.
Pentimenti is an Italian word which literally translated means “repentance” or ‘’mistakes’’. Vanfleteren observes that nowadays there is little room for regret or revisiting one’s decisions. Coincidentally, the word is used in the world of art to describe when a painting has been altered, reworked or over-painted. Vanfleteren places pentimenti in a broader perspective, highlighting regrettable periods or incidents in human history. He says, “It is a pity that pentimenti is so rarely seen on the political or military stage,” perhaps demonstrating that history is always written by the victors. He continues, “Whether it’s a cold-hearted Tsar pushing young Russians into the trenches, or a Zionist keeping a war grinding on just to save his own skin . . . no one regrets their misdeeds.” So how does this manifest itself at Mauritshuis?
Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis, asked Vanfleteren to re-examine the museum collection with the aim of establishing a visual dialogue between the present and the past. Together, they walked through the museum’s 16 galleries, searching for the hidden meanings, lessons, and messages that paintings from four centuries ago can convey to us. What intentions lay behind these masterpieces at the time? What remains of the ideas and visions the artists wished to capture back then? And what significance do these paintings hold for the world today? Vanfleteren’s photographs engage in a conversation with the paintings, offering a 21st-century interpretation of 17th-century icons. This creates a fascinating contrast for visitors.
Vanfleteren has taken a unique photograph for each room of the museum that captures the essence of one specific painting or theme. This gives the visitor the opportunity to view the old paintings through the eyes of the photographer and gain new insights. Within the context of painting, he refers to corrections that artists made to their paintings during the painting process. Vanfleteren takes the word pentimenti literally as well: what mistakes have become visible throughout the history of humanity, on both the micro and macro levels? In this way, he challenges the classic works and captures them anew in a way that brings them back to life. In his photographs, he plays with reflection, contrast, and symbolism, which deepens the meaning of the original artwork.
The exhibition is accompanied by a remarkable book: Vanfleteren and Gosselink corresponded with each other during the creative process. This exchange of letters has been compiled into a book of letters. They wrote to each other about the Mauritshuis collection, art in general, and the value and significance of artworks – but also about the world around them. The book is an intimate account of their exchange of thoughts on the artworks, their significance in the contemporary world, and the hidden stories concealed within the paintings. The letters reveal their views on art and their views on life, differing as man and woman, as Fleming and Dutchman, and as creator versus administrator. And so, a book of letters has been created that serves not only as an account of the Mauritshuis collection and history, but also as a personal exchange between two people operating in very different fields within the art world.
Stephan Vanfleteren, known for his raw and honest photography, has always captured the vulnerability and beauty of humanity and life. His work touches upon themes such as life, death, the power of nature, and the reciprocity of our existence. Vanfleteren is internationally recognized, and with this exhibition, he adds a new layer to the rich history of the Mauritshuis through his own deeply personal vision of 17th-century painting.
The exhibition is not for the sensitive – there are pictures of a severed hand, a dead dog and horse so some may find this difficult to view.
Pentimenti – Stephan Vanfleteren among the masters 23 April 2026 – 23 August 2026
Sherika Rooplal-Clappers is a contributing writer for The Hague Online, covering culture, lifestyle, and local events. With a passion for storytelling and international perspectives, she highlights the people, places, and experiences that make The Hague a dynamic city.
On Friday the 29th of May Stroom Den Haag opens ⌀ [dia], the first solo exhibition by artist Ana María Gómez López in the Netherlands.
With ⌀ [dia], Ana María Gómez López introduces a layered and sensorial practice where scientific research and artistic imagination intertwine. At the core are ten self-experiments developed by the artist or inspired by historical examples. For instance, Gómez López undergoes the process of growing a pearl inside her mouth, germinates a seed in her eye, and orients herself—like migratory birds—through earthly magnetic fields. Several of these experiments unfold as works in progress, while others remain unresolved or proved impossible. Together, they form a constellation in which the tension between control and surrender becomes tangible.
Gómez López positions the body as an influential instrument through which the world can be explored, questioned, and experienced. ⌀ [dia] demonstrates the relationship between bodily processes and larger ecosystems, from geology to astrology. Through photography, time-based media, and artifacts, the artist dissolves distinctions between scales, disciplines, and forms of knowledge, making palpable how these levels continuously interact and shape one another.
By presenting self-experimentation as a method, ⌀ [dia] offers a compelling counterpoint to today’s data-driven culture. At a time when knowledge is increasingly shaped by algorithms and abstract systems, the exhibition re-centers the body as a knowledge source. ⌀ [dia] shows how our personal and physical experiences are essential to how we understand a rapidly evolving world. With this exhibition, Stroom highlights the vital role of artists in imagining new worlds, where the body functions as an essential starting point.
Networks of Embodiment The exhibition is part of Stroom’s long-term program Networks of Embodiment, which places the body and sensory experience at the center of its exploration of social issues such as climate, technology, and inequality. Within this framework, artists are invited to develop new ways of imagining and engaging with these themes.
Public program ⌀ [dia] is accompanied by a public program that will start on June 9, 2026. On that date we gladly welcome you to an artist talk with Ana María Gómez López in collaboration with the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague. More information about this event and the upcoming program will soon be announced on our website. The exhibition is made possible with the support of the Mondriaan Fund and the Municipality of The Hague.
29 May – 26 July 2026 Stroom Den Haag, Hogewal 1-9, The Hague Opening: Friday 29 May 2026, 17:00 hrs
The tradition of celebrating the Dutch monarch’s birthday dates back to 1885, when Princess Wilhelmina’s fifth birthday was marked with national festivities. It was originally called Prinsessedag, then became Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day) as the Netherlands was ruled by queens for much of the 20th century — first Wilhelmina, then Juliana, then Beatrix. Queen’s Day was famously celebrated on 30 April. When King Willem-Alexander took the throne in 2013, the holiday was renamed Koningsdag and the date shifted to his actual birthday: 27 April. The House of Orange-Nassau connection also explains the sea of orange — the colour has long been a symbol of the Dutch royal family.
King’s Day in The Hague
The Hague has a particularly special relationship with the day, given its status as the royal city.
The vrijmarkt (free market) is the heart of it all — markets scatter across the city, with everyone from kids to grandparents selling old treasures, performing, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
Find bargains at the free market
Some of the best spots:
Belgisch Park
Belgisch Plein & Stevinstraat — neighbourhood charm, good mix of sellers
Frederik Hendriklaan
Statenkwartier — lively, popular with families and young crowds
Noordeinde
Near the palace — a bit of royal atmosphere alongside the stalls
Keizerstraat, Scheveningen
Beach vibes, more relaxed pace — good if you want sea air with your bargain hunting
The Life I Live Festival
King’s Night takes place the night before, on 26 April. The centre will once again be transformed into one huge festival site. This free city festival brings together local pride and top national acts for a night full of energy and musical discovery. This year, Lange Voorhout will feature two stages with energetic and moving performances, with a Silent Disco (in collaboration with PAARD) at the centre, whilst Kerkplein (in collaboration with PIP) is the place for electronic beats. At the Hofvijver and at Popdistrict on the Grote Markt (Sniesterstage), the party kicks off with live music in all styles — from hypnotic soundscapes to raw guitars.
King’s Fair
Currently on until 27 April, Malieveld will once again be transformed into a grand Royal Fair with attractions for young and old — something for everyone at an affordable price.
Hollands Live Festival
Billed as the largest Dutch-language festival in South Holland, Hollands Live is held at Zuiderpark. The vibe is distinctly Dutch — think sing-along pop and schlager music with a very orange, very gezellig crowd. The line-up features artists like Gerard Joling, Mart Hoogkamer, Monique Smit, and Django Wagner — all big names in mainstream Dutch pop and Nederlandstalige (Dutch-language) music.
Fancy a unique King’s Night? Come aboard the Willemsvaart and celebrate on The Hague’s canals. You can book a boat trip for up to 23 people — for more information or to book, email info@willemsvaart.nl.
So what do you need to make the most of the celebrations?
Dress in orange. Stores like Hema will have everything you need to get kitted out — including accessories for your furry friend too.
Bring cash to the vrijmarkt if you plan on shopping, and get there early to find the good stuff.
King’s Night is one of the rare occasions when you are allowed to walk the streets with your own drinks, so grab a cooler or backpack if you’re looking for a more affordable option. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase throughout the night.
Eat a tompouce. Several bakeries make them orange to mark the occasion, and no King’s Day is complete without one.
There’s your King’s Day survival guide — enjoy it. Living in The Hague for this one is genuinely special. 🧡
Joe Eagan Comedy Productions brings stand-up comedians to The Hague, guesting Branoul approximately 10 times per year with shows entirely in ENGLISH. Always a fun mix of pro headliner comics, local talents, stars of tomorrow and stars of yesterday. Note: Each show has approx 3-4 different comedians and a lovely MC host from Canada, Ireland or the UK guiding you through the evening. The line-up per show is published on our Facebook events page.
Dates: Sat Feb 21, Fri March 13, Sat March 28, Sat April 18, Sat May 23, Sat June 13
Time: Two showtimes to choose from each date at 19,00 & 21,00
Entry to the theatre is at 18.55 or 20,55 respectively.
Either show is sold out? At least 5 drop-in tickets are available for each show on a first come basis @29eur
Good News Alert!!! Branoul now runs the eatery next door! Enjoy drinks and a pre-show dinner in a lovely setting – veggie or black angus beef burger plate with onions, bacon, cheese, pickles, tomato & their very own scrumptious homemade buns. Open from 17.30. Reserve a table via: bistro@branoul.nl
Comedian bios:
Paul Myrehaug (Canada) Canadian born and pastured in Europe, Paul Myrehaug is an award-winning stand-up comedian with international touring, television and radio experience. Paul started performing at the age of eighteen and already in 2007 he took the top prize in “Great Canadian Laugh Off” as seen on The Comedy Network. In 2012 Paul moved to the United Kingdom went on to make appearances on: “Comedy Now! Hour Special” – CTV and The Comedy Network, “Uten Grenser” Comedy Special – Comedy Central Scandinavia, Just For Laughs Montreal Festival. Paul is now part of the “Snowed In Comedy Tour” which is Canada’s largest theatre tour stretching coast to coast in seventy cities. The rest of the year he tours in Europe and resides in France with his French wife.
“An impressive, power packed set” – Chortle, United Kingdom
“Idiosyncratically prowling the stage, Myrehaug’s charisma captivates the audience” – Giggle Beats, United Kingdom
“Dry, dark but with an irrepressible youthful charm.” – The Toronto Star
“Hilarious Enough to Stand Alone.” – The Seattle Stranger
Will Hannigan (Canada)
Will toured Canada for over a decade, gaining notoriety as a quick-witted, storytelling headline act who lights up on stage as a friendly and engaging presence, making fun of himself, his family and the world around him. Will now finds himself in London, where he has quickly become a regular at some of the biggest stages and most notorious clubs. Will has been featured at Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, on Sirius XM satellite radio, has opened for Shane Gillis, Bobby Lee, been featured at the Grindstone Comedy Festival and released a successful YouTube special called ‘Edmonton’.
******************************* Keep your calendars free for our other dates! Two showtimes at 19,00 and 21,00 for all dates below. Tickets already available via the same link:
Different comedians each show! Each show has a fun mix of at least one pro headline comedian flown in with support acts made up of stars of tomorrow, semi-pros, rookies & stars of yesterday 🙂 + an MC host guiding you through the evening from Canada, Ireland or the UK!
Sat, May 23, headliner: Andy Field (UK), Feature support: Hari Rao (USA), MC host Rachel Morten-Young (UK)
Sat, June 13, headliner: Nigel Williams (UK), Feature support: Robin Weinburgh (USA), MC host Sharon Em (Ireland)
*************************** BOOK COMEDIANS OR QUIZMASTERS FOR EVENTS/PARTIES!
–>You can book 1-3 Comedians to perform Stand-up Comedy for 25 – 60 minutes. Or a Quizmaster for a Quiz & Games lasting 1 – 2.5 hours as you compete in teams against colleagues & friends to win prizes.
Welcome to Joe Eagan Comedy Productions – providing entertainment solutions for corporate events/parties, conferences, kick-offs, weddings & more!
Our history and motto: Established in Nov of 2015, The Hague English Comedy Nights has called the lovely Branoul Theatre its home from day one. The shows are all about enjoying great stand-up comedy in English in a lovely setting great for meeting expats and internationally-minded social Dutch natives! Who knows what’ll happen! Each show has a fun mix of at least one pro headline comedian flown in with support acts made up of stars of tomorrow, semi-pros, rookies & stars of yesterday 🙂 + an MC host guiding you through the evening from Canada, Ireland or the UK!
