Hi, Renée here. I’m the editor, owner and community manager here at The Hague Online (THOL). I’m also a university lecturer at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. It’s been quite an intense academic year! But from 17 July until 24 August I have a lovely, long and much-needed holiday.
This summer is the first in several years that I plan to stay here in The Hague. For the last 2 years, I’ve gone to visit my family in Australia and hope to do that again in the next year or two. However for the summer of 2026, I’ll explore my own city, get some things done at home, catch up with family and friends and just…RELAX!
I’m going to take a few weeks offline and won’t be updating this site as regularly. However I am still “around”. Are you also staying in The Hague this summer? There is plenty to do. Check out our calendar or browse our highlighted events. As there is always so much happening in our great city, I can’t always get everything online. So you can also explore more yourself. Find something great? Share it with us!
Revisit some of Sherika’s great Behind The Menu series over in our feature articles. You may like to grab some gelato if it’s hot, and do a world tour of flavours right here in The Hague with the fabulous range of restaurants and cafes: from Japanese to Palestinian and so much more.
Especially if you have kids to entertain, you can also take a look at this article from The Hague International Centre for ideas:
What happens when you let Jan Taminiau and Lisa Konno look at the largest fashion and costume collection in the Netherlands? In 2026, Kunstmuseum Den Haag celebrates a special milestone: 75 years of the fashion collection. With this large-scale fashion exhibition, the museum, together with a wide range of co-curators, reflects on the rich, multifaceted, and surprisingly contemporary fashion and costume collection throughout the years. Reflections on Fashion features iconic designs by Iris van Herpen, Coco Chanel, Fong-Leng, Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Jan Taminiau, Viktor & Rolf, Frank Govers, and Karim Adduchi, among others. But, through the eyes of the co-curators, you see them each time in a new and surprising perspective.
Innovative collaborations
This exhibition is realized in collaboration with a wide variety of renowned guest curators, including Jan Taminiau, Tess van Zalinge, Ronald van der Kemp, Lisa Konno, Janice Deul, and KledingCast. Their perspectives ensure new stories, surprising combinations, and a fresh look at the collection.
Each room is designed differently, based on the vision of the co-curators within a unifying design by Maarten Spruyt, inspired by the Berlage building where the collection has been housed for 40 years. The co-curators dove into the depot with great enthusiasm to each devise their own concept and use it to furnish a room. Let yourself be surprised in Tess van Zalinge’s open depot, where the invisible becomes visible. Discover the animations of 18th-century costumes by Alu Studios. Explore the stimulating combinations of ULKUHANBATUHAN, the many shades of black selected throughout the ages by Jan Taminiau, and the forms of protest brought together by Lisa Konno. In Bas Kosters’ space, you contribute to a Gesamtkunstwerk: a safe home for everyone.
From ‘worthless’ to crowd favorite
Reflections on Fashion offers a glimpse into the work behind the scenes of a fashion collection, from the restoration studio to the depot. One of the showpieces of the exhibition is a soft pink Chanel dress from 1926, known from the AVROTROS program * Geheimen van het museum* (Secrets of the Museum ). The dress was discovered as an unexpected find in a collection of fabric remnants, causing a moment of great astonishment. After intensive in-house restoration, this object grew into a crowd favorite online and is now being exhibited for the first time.
Reflections on Fashion brings these kinds of processes to life, offers a fresh perspective on the highlights of the collection, and takes visitors behind the scenes. With an ‘open depot in the gallery’ and the opportunity to follow restorations up close like a true ‘dress detective,’ the making process becomes tangible. For the open depot, Tess van Zalinge selected collection pieces from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries that can be viewed inside and out: from crinolines and corsets to the hidden lining of a gown.
Living collection
From 17th-century showpieces to recent creations fresh off the catwalk: the Kunstmuseum’s fashion collection demonstrates how fashion continues to renew itself and how clothing tells stories of identity, craftsmanship, and the spirit of the times. What began in 1951 as the Netherlands Costume Museum grew within 75 years into the largest fashion and costume collection in the Netherlands, comprising more than 50,000 costumes and accessories. The collection is alive, inspiring, and embraced by a new generation time and again. And that is precisely what was written in the 1950s: that the collection aimed to be ‘a living institution,’ one that ‘stands at the heart of life.’ Reflections on Fashion shows exactly that.
For 75 years, many people have worked on this collection with so much love: collecting, restoring, narrating, and exhibiting. Always from different visions, fashions, and perspectives, with the collection as a constant factor. With this exhibition and the hefty catalogue, we honour the work of all the makers, donors, and colleagues who have worked on the collection with heart and soul. The collaboration with all the enthusiastic co-curators brings a wonderful energy. Also very special: we asked them ‘what is missing,’ and where possible, we are now filling those gaps. All this shows that our fashion collection is loved by many and continually inspires and offers new perspectives, generation after generation. I am proud of that.’ Madelief Hohé, Curator of Fashion and Costume .
Reflections on Fashion looks back and forward with optimism. Co-creations, never-before-seen items, and new additions to the collection provide surprises. A feast for the eyes, and moreover, a celebration of fashion and special stories. An ode to 75 years of fashion history, and to the inspiration that fashion can offer. Margriet Schavemaker, General Director
Public program
The public program of Reflections on Fashion seamlessly aligns with the presentations and collections of the co-curators in the exhibition, offering visitors a multifaceted and in-depth experience. For instance, they can attend a demonstration of tying the angisa by Tailors & Wearers, receive an in-room explanation of the kotos from the collection, and enjoy a historical fashion show presented by the Dutch Costume Society.
In addition, several Female Gaze tours are on the program, during which various co-curators guide visitors through the exhibition and bring the collection to life from their own perspectives. These personal approaches offer new insights and invite reflection on fashion, heritage, and identity.
For those who want to get creative themselves, workshops have been organized by DeSteek and others, and there is a maker table with designer Bas Kosters. The program is further enriched with two panel discussions, in collaboration with Patta Academy and KledingCast. The full program, including dates and participants, will be announced shortly.
Reflections on Fashion is on view from July 4, 2026, to January 3, 2027, at Kunstmuseum Den Haag.
Images: Sherika Rooplal-Clappers
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, July 10, Pizza FM officially opens its doors on the Grote Markt in The Hague. Pizza FM is the modern successor to ‘De Bakplaats’ and the ice cream concept ‘Lik It Gelato’. With this transformation, the pizza spot acquires a contemporary look that aligns with the events and atmosphere of the Grote Markt and the Popdistrict.
The foundation remains unchanged: authentic Neapolitan pizzas from a specially imported Neapolitan oven, which can be ordered at almost all eateries on the square. However, the menu has been expanded with even better recipes, Pinsa Romanas, and a wide range of homemade (vegan) ice cream. The visual identity and artwork have been completely revamped by designer Jawgem.
Free slices
The launch will be celebrated on Friday, July 10 from 6:00 PM with the giveaway of free pizza slices to the public. Additionally, DJ ItaLau Lau will be spinning and goodies will be handed out.
Images: new menu, the logo, and the slogan (artwork by Jawgem).
The Alliance Française of The Hague and the Entente des Associations Francophones are delighted to invite you to a festive seaside celebration at De Waterreus on Scheveningen Beach, bringing together the spirit of France’s National Day in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
📅 Saturday, 11 July 2026 🕓 From 4:00 PM 📍 De Waterreus, Scheveningen
Whether you are French, French-speaking, a Francophile, or simply looking to enjoy a convivial evening in a unique setting, this event is for you!
Programme highlights :
🎤 Live concert by Isa Bornau, winner of the 2026 Francophone Song Contest in the Netherlands
🍽️ Grand Surf & Turf Barbecue
🪩 Dance party with a live DJ
🎟️ Raffle featuring a wide range of prizes generously offered by our French and international partners – tickets available via this link : Événement – Alliance Française
The celebration will be attended by institutional representatives, including Consul General Catherine Feuillet, underscoring the symbolic importance of this event for the French community in the Netherlands.
Practical information :
• Free admission for children under 3 • Children’s menu to be paid directly on site (€15.50) • Vegetarian option available upon request
• Easily accessible by public transport, just a short walk from tram line 11, with parking available 200 metres away and bicycle parking directly opposite the venue.
Reserve your tickets today and join The Hague’s French-speaking and Francophile community for a memorable celebration of France’s National Day by the sea !
Join us as we celebrate our first anniversary with cake and an amazing talk by Vera van Wolferen!
Director & papercraft artist Vera van Wolferen has a bachelors in Fine Art and masters in Animation. She is known for her whimsical handmade style. She directed Ultrakort animation Tourist Trap and her animated short Down in the Dumps premiered at Berlinale 2025. She worked for brands like Heineken, Jo Malone, Facebook, Pringles & Bosch. In 2017 she was one of Playgrounds Next Talents. In 2025 she was part of Animatie Vrijplaats, at Film Forward.
The Social Hub The Hague is a hotel where travellers, locals and students get together to learn, stay, work and play. Whether you’re looking for a coworking space, a room for a day to a year or a restaurant to throw a party, The Social Hub has spaces for all your needs.
Additional details
Event’s timeline
☕ 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Doors open & Breakfast is served
🎤 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Listen to an inspiring talk
🗣️9:30 AM – 9:45 AM Q&A with speaker and Community Minutes
From July 11 to August 22, the Atelier Ferron Summer Salon will take place at gallery Atelier Ferron: a rich and diverse group and sales exhibition featuring 62 artworks of 31 artists who have exhibited there before, will do so soon, or hold Atelier Ferron in high regard.
The festive opening of the Atelier Ferron Summer Salon is on Saturday, July 11, from 3:00 PM.
Participating artists: Isabelle Backer, Rudi Bastiaans, Daniëlle Davidson, Rozemarijn de Man, Maarten Demmink, Corah Dijkstra, Marc Fabels, Wendy Fabels-Kruse, Diederik Gerlach, Helen Hartmann, Bettina Honig, Niels Janssen, Moki Last, Annemieke Louwerens, Chiel Lubbers, Hélène Penninga, Loes Schepens, Els Snijder, Annemarie Spijkerman, Tineke van der Pouw Kraan, Manini van Eck, Lisette van Hoogenhuyze, Scott van Kampen Wieling, Ton van Kints, Maartje van Ringen, Cassandra van Veen, Elisabeth van Vreeswijk, Jean van Wijk, Liesbeth van Woerden, Paula van Zeggeren, Ilse Versluijs.
All works will also be on view and can be reserved online at atelierferron.nl.
The Atelier Ferron Summer Salon is a celebration of what founder Esther Ferron intended for her gallery from day one: to be a pleasant and inspiring place for a loose-knit ‘family’ of artists, art lovers, art collectors, and other kindred spirits. The fact that this has been achieved is evident from the fact that a number of the participating artists are helping to organize the Atelier Ferron Summer Salon and staff the gallery!
ABOUT ATELIER FERRON Atelier Ferron was founded in the summer of 2023 by Esther Ferron and has since become a household name in The Hague art scene. Esther brought her extensive experience in the (inter)national art world to do things just a little differently: Atelier Ferron is a small but lovely gallery featuring surprising exhibitions of often unique art – and at the same time a place with a warm and welcoming atmosphere for artists, art lovers, art collectors, and actually everyone. Atelier Ferron has become a permanent part of the well-known Hoogtij Contemporary Art Route in The Hague
