The Kunstmuseum Den Haag has invited artist Hadassah Emmerich to create a new mural in one of the museum’s monumental stairwells. The mural, “Petals Pulp Papaya Plunge,” was designed specifically for this space and envelops the visitor in a lush world of abstracted plants and fruits. Inspired by the batik panels in one of the Kunstmuseum’s historic style rooms, the work engages in a dialogue with the architecture of the museum building, designed by Hendrik Petrus Berlage. With this iconic commission, the museum is taking a step toward structurally providing space for female artists. Petals Pulp Papaya Plunge opens February 14th.
With the Hadassah Emmerich mural, the museum promotes diversity and inclusivity in our collection by literally claiming space for female artists within the museum as an institution and the museum canon.
– Margriet Schavemaker, director of the Kunstmuseum The Hague
In the monumental staircase, which towers over seven meters high, Hadassah Emmerich has created an abstract, colorful plant world: a lush universe of meandering leaves, suggestive fruit shapes, and distorted peacock eyes. A recurring motif in various sizes and color combinations is that of the papaya. Emmerich chose this fruit not only for its sexual connotations but also because of her interest in the idea of bastardization: the bastard, the hybrid species that completely belongs nowhere yet is simultaneously very strong. This tension forms a core motif in her work.
Emmerich’s personal background plays a significant role in this. She grew up in a Catholic village in Limburg as a non-Catholic girl, with a Chinese-Indonesian father and a German mother. From an early age, she experienced what it means to be seen as an outsider. In her work, she questions the idea of an “original” or “pure” identity and instead celebrates blending and hybridity across cultural, racial, and sexual dimensions.
Emmerich created the enormous mural using a specific stencil technique: she cuts shapes from pieces of vinyl flooring, rolls them with printing ink, often in subtle color gradients, and then prints them onto canvas, paper, or—in this case—the wall. This technique results in a kind of monoprint: each work is unique, but motifs and stencils recur frequently.
The result is an ambiguous abstraction. The enlarged, tropically colored motifs—the seductive peacock eyes, the bananas, the papayas—are so distorted that they simultaneously evoke body parts. While the erotic references were much more explicit earlier in her oeuvre, Emmerich here undermines a straightforward reading. The historical perspective of the exoticizing male gaze is replaced by an aesthetic that is ambiguous and multifaceted. “I want to break through that one-way perspective and play with the erotic female gaze in a positive and humorous way.”
Site specific
The design for the staircase is explicitly site-specific . Emmerich drew inspiration from the batik panels in the Dijsselhof Room, one of the museum’s historical style rooms (located on the first floor near Emmerich’s mural). Early in her career, Emmerich became fascinated with batik, the Indonesian technique for dyeing fabric. Besides batik’s formal and visual qualities, its historical layers also play a significant role in her work: the colonial context, cultural appropriation, and mutual aesthetic influences associated with this technique.
Furthermore, the mural engages in an explicit dialogue with the building itself. For a long time, it was overlooked that architect Berlage, during his 1923 visit to the then-colony of the Dutch East Indies, was strongly inspired by the architecture there, a fact that is also reflected in the museum’s architecture. This new mural addresses and visualizes that aspect of the architecture.
Visible statement
The Kunstmuseum’s identity is largely defined by its collection, which historically has primarily consisted of works by male artists. The museum is actively working to bring more balance to the collection, including by literally tackling the museum’s walls. With an eye toward polyphony and broader representation, the Kunstmuseum aims to consistently give female artists a prominent place.
In this context, the Kunstmuseum is inviting three female artists to create new murals in three of its four monumental stairwells. Hadassah Emmerich is the first artist, followed later this year by Natasja Kensmil and Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum. The new murals will give the building and collection a visible, contemporary boost while simultaneously building on the museum’s long tradition of murals.
About Hadassah Emmerich
Hadassah Emmerich (Heerlen, Netherlands, 1974) lives and works in Brussels. After studying painting at the art academy in Maastricht, she continued her studies at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Ghent and later at Goldsmiths College in London. From an early age, Emmerich worked with a form of expanded painting , experimenting with a variety of paint types, techniques, and media. Her work has been exhibited in numerous venues, including Kunsthal Kade, the Bonnenfanten Museum, and the Centraal Museum. Her work is included in the collections of Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Muzee Oostende, Museum Voorlinden, and Kunstmuseum Den Haag, among others. Her work can also be seen in the form of murals in public spaces, for example, at the Erasmus Hospital in Rotterdam, the Papiermolentunnel in Groningen, and the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. Emmerich is represented by Galerie Ron Mandos, Amsterdam.
Volunteer The Hague Talks is proudly powered by Volunteer The Hague, serving as an interactive extension of our commitment to local engagement. Through conversations, we aim to provide clarity, foster mutual respect, and strengthen the bonds that make our city an exceptional place to live and contribute.
The Student Dilemma: Is Volunteering Really Mandatory?
Watch & listen to our episode 2 now!
In this episode of VTH Talks, we tackle the “Student Dilemma”—the high-pressure gap between being a student and becoming a professional. We are joined by two incredible guests from The Hague University of Applied Sciences (De Haagse Hogeschool) to look at this from both the student and faculty perspectives.
Meet our Guests:
Adam Daniel: A student at THUAS and the founder of The Hague Dialogues.
Tiaan Westenberg: Lecturer and Internationalisation Support Officer at THUAS.
Together with our host Laura Linga, they dive into the “Experience Gap,” the reality of expat loneliness, and the big question: Is giving your time a burden, or is it the secret “cheat code” to the Dutch labour market?
Listen on the Go: Find the audio version on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred streaming service.
DutchBuzz is an English radio programme of news, views and interviews that tells you what’s happening in this buzzing city of ours. The international team of presenters and reporters are from many different continents, but view The Hague as their home!
Listen live weekly on a Thursday from 7-8pm on Den Haag FM
After broadcasts, links to the recordings will be shared here:
05 February 2026
Ayesha speaks to Andrew Van Each (entrepreneur in The Hague and member of the city Council for D66 party) about coalition proposal and plan for upcoming 4 years.
Giulia speaks with Marielle Vavier (Deputy Mayor for Poverty, Inclusion, Public Health and International Affairs) about the 2025-2035 vision to solidify Den Haag as the world’s Third UN City.
Wendy talks to Teun Verkerk artistic director of the Delft Highlight festival
The Hague’s Pearls – listen to previous recordings
The podcasts below are devoted to members of the international community who have made a special contribution to the City of The Hague.
The DutchBuzz team takes pleasure in inviting and interviewing the city’s many ‘pearls’. Many of them have been featured in our programmes over the years because they reflect our rich and diverse international community.
Newsmakers, writers, local politicians, entertainers, innovators, entrepreneurs, experts in their field, and colourful personalities, they all make The Hague a better place to live and work in.
All the interviews have been broadcast, but we enjoyed them so much that we are now sharing them with you as special, celebratory podcasts.
The dark days of February call for comfort, and what could be better than sinking into a plush chair at Pathé, enjoying the latest blockbusters and releases? Whether you’re going alone, with friends, or with your significant other: Pathé has you covered in February.
The daring romance filmWuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, kicks off the month, followed by the crime thrillerCrime 101, starring Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry, which will have you glued to your seat.
Marty Supremedelivers an intense sports drama, while the heart-pounding filmScream 7delivers pure adrenaline.
For those who love depth:No Other Choice.The Secret AgentandThe Testament of Ann Leeare arthouse titles not to be missed.
Families and film buffs will have plenty to discover at Pathé this month. The youngest visitors will join Superjuffie in the Jungle and Charlie the Wonderdog in adventures full of fantasy and humor, while GOAT: The Awesome Goat provides action and fun for the whole family.
Iconic films and music also get a place on the big screen. For example, The Shining returns in IMAX for its 45th anniversary.
New releases
Wuthering Heights – February 12 (IMAX)
Wuthering Heights is a daring and original film adaptation of one of the greatest love stories of all time, starring Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. In a captivating tale of lust, love, and madness, their forbidden love evolves from romantic to passionate.
Crime 101– February 12 (IMAX)
In the crime thriller Crime 101, Davis (Chris Hemsworth) plays a sophisticated thief whose daring heists baffle the police. While preparing for his biggest, and hopefully final, he crosses paths with Sharon (Halle Berry). He is forced to work with her and rival thief Orman (Barry Keoghan). As the moment of the multi-million dollar heist approaches, Detective Lubesnik (Mark Ruffalo) closes in on the trio.
Shelf Stockers XL – February 12
When online petty thief Soufian finds himself heavily in debt after a failed scam, he’s forced to take a job at the only place that will still accept him: Super XL. During his chaotic onboarding, he discovers the supermarket is switching to smart self-scanning checkouts, eliminating staff. Soufian sees an opportunity to get rich quick. What begins as a heist escalates into an unexpected workers’ uprising against automation.
Boomers – February 19
Headstrong baby boomer Bob (65, Huub Stapel) is thrown into a personal crisis when his position is undermined on all fronts. His only anchor in the chaos is his loyal group of friends. Just as his relationship with the much younger Fee (Jennifer Hoffman) is faltering due to her sudden desire to have children, he meets his childhood sweetheart Odile (Renée Fokker). As past and present collide, Bob must choose between what once was and what might still be.
Marty Supreme– February 19 (Dolby Cinema)
Marty Mauser is a smart but headstrong boy with a dream no one believes in. In his quest for success, he pushes himself to the limit and finds himself in a world full of temptations, risks, and challenges. While he does everything he can to make his dream come true, he discovers just how high the price of success truly is.
Marty Supreme @ 2025 Independent Films. All Rights Reserved.
ScreamFebruary 7 – 26 (IMAX, 4DX)
When a new Ghostface killer surfaces in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her worst fears are realized: her daughter (Isabel May) is the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must confront the horrors of her past to put an end to the killings once and for all.
Easter – February 26
Inspired by the bestseller of the same name. About getting stuck, moving on, and everything in between. Emma (Gaite Jansen) is certain she’s happy. She has a successful career, a loving boyfriend, wonderful parents, and is talented, funny, and smart. Until she takes a completely unexpected turn and ends up in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. A short circuit? A burnout? She thinks this must be a huge mistake. Because she’s perfectly fine, right?
Arthouse Films
No Other Choice – February 5
After 25 years of loyal service, Man-su loses his lucrative job as a paper mill supervisor when it falls into foreign hands. Finding a new job proves more difficult than anticipated, and Man-su and his family are forced to drastically adjust their lifestyle. Desperate to come out on top in his next job interview, Man-su decides to eliminate the competition.
The Secret Agent – February 12
Marcelo, a technology expert and widower, is on the run. As the military dictatorship imposes increasingly brutal measures on the population, he arrives in Recife, hoping to reunite with his son. There, he finds refuge with a group of like-minded people and assumes a false identity.
The Testament of Ann Lee – February 26
Mona Fastvold ( The World to Come, The Brutalist) brings the compelling true story of Ann Lee, the visionary founder of the Shakers. Amanda Seyfried plays the unyielding leader who preached gender and social equality and was adored by her followers.
Pathé is the first and largest cinema brand in the Netherlands, founded in Paris in 1896 by true pioneers of film: the Pathé brothers. Their aim was to share the wonderful world of film with as many people as possible. Throughout the Netherlands, Pathé has 30 locations, 253 screens and 1,900 employees. Through its wide range of films, livestreams of opera, sports and gaming, among others, the latest techniques such as IMAX, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and ScreenX, and business events, Pathé creates special and unforgettable cinema stories for all.
Disclaimer& Copyright notice
Pathé is a partner of The Hague Online, and we receive cinema tickets in exchange for sharing monthly updates and links on our website and in our enewsletter. Text is provided by Pathé in Dutch and translated into English by The Hague Online. Images are provided by Pathé. Text and images may not be copied and shared without permission.
If you are looking for peers from queer families, then look no further. This may be the group for you! Our aim is to offer members in the international community an opportunity to meet and connect with other queer parents, intended-parents (IPs), and/or families with young gender creative/queer kids. We aim to provide a safe space for members to chat, show support, ask questions, share resources, and make new friendships.
There are over 200 members in our WhatsApp group, representing a diverse array of families throughout the LGBTIQ+ community’s spectrum in the Randstad. The childrens’ ages range from in-utero to teens. The group was started in 2024 by a new, gay dad who saw a gap among the available parents’ groups for English-speakers.
In person monthly meet-ups are planned for the adults to connect with one another and for the children to meet and play with other kids from queer families. Details are shared via the closed WhatsApp group. Building community and celebrating queer families are the core tenets of the group.
The group has been accredited by the consultatiebureau’s MIM (Moeders Informeren Moeders) group.
Your family is welcome in this growing community. Perhaps you can join the next meet-up, kids’ birthday celebration or group outings to a show, for the grownups? Stay safe and be proud.
What happens when you lose everything on a Dutch train?
In ACCESS Stories this month, international resident Rahul Chanda recounts the moment his bag disappeared, taking with it his passport, residence permit, bank cards and keys.
The story follows the practical and emotional aftermath, from reporting the loss to rebuilding daily life step by step, and highlights how support and clear information can make all the difference.
ACCESS is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that has supported the international community in the Netherlands since 1986. English-speaking volunteers provide free, independent information and guidance on living, working and settling in the Netherlands, via a helpdesk, email support and partnerships across the country.
