Twenty-five masterpieces from Madrid have arrived at the Mauritshuis for a special exhibition celebrating the longstanding relationship between two internationally renowned museums.
In a unique exchange, the Mauritshuis and the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid have temporarily exchanged 25 paintings each. While masterpieces from The Hague are on display in Spain, visitors to the Mauritshuis can discover an exceptional selection of works from the Spanish museum’s celebrated collection.
The exhibition, Thyssen-Bornemisza ❤️ Mauritshuis: Masterpieces from Madrid, features paintings by major European artists including Jan van Eyck, Albrecht Dürer, El Greco, Agnolo Bronzino, Antonello da Messina and Piero della Francesca.
A Celebration of Art and Love
The exhibition centres on the theme of love, reflecting the longstanding relationship between the two museums.
Through paintings from different periods and artistic traditions, visitors can explore the many expressions and meanings of love in European art.
Among the works on display is Michael Sweerts’ Boy with a Turban, a painting that invites comparisons with Johannes Vermeer’s famous Girl with a Pearl Earring.
To coincide with the exhibition, the Mauritshuis has released a special episode of its podcast The Secret of the Girl with a Pearl Earring. Presenter Splinter Chabot explores the possible connection between the two paintings, asking whether Vermeer may have known Sweerts’ work and drawn inspiration from it.
The exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience masterpieces from Madrid in The Hague and discover the artistic connections between the two collections.
Practical Information
Dates: 15 October 2026 – 17 January 2027
Location: Mauritshuis, Plein 29, The Hague
Tickets: Visit the Mauritshuis website for admission information and reservations.
On Saturday 17 October, the American-Netherlander, Greg Shapiro will be bringing his solo show ‘KING ME: 250 Years of Donald Trump’ to the Theatre Luden, Voorburg.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence… by bringing back the king. With Donald Trump in power, it feels as though 250 years have already passed. “What a perfect moment for a new American revolution,” exclaims Dutch-American comedian Greg Shapiro. Yet Shapiro also dares to take an optimistic view of the US. He predicts that Trump’s tyrannical behavior won’t last long—provided Europe stands strong. Mark Rutte calls Trump ‘Daddy,’ but Ursula says: “Mama is angry.” If the Epstein files prove anything, it is that certain world leaders are attracted to anything but strong, mature women.
‘KING ME’ is a blend of stand-up comedy and storytelling, with a dash of Trump-inspired improvisation. ‘KING ME’ is Shapiro’s ninth solo show.
Greg Shapiro has been associated with the Boom Chicago Theater in Amsterdam since 1994. He hosted ‘Comedy Central News’ on Comedy Central Netherlands and has appeared on BNR, BNN-VARA, VPRO, and ZDF (Germany). And yes, he is known as the voice of Trump in the viral video ‘The Netherlands Second’, which has garnered over 50 million views. Greg has authored books such as How to Be Dutch: the Quiz and The American Netherlander: 25 Years of Expat Tales.
KING ME: 250 Years of Donald Trump’ Saturday 17 October – 20:30 Luden Theater, Burg. Feithplein 95, 2273 BW Voorburg
Looking for vintage treasures, second-hand bargains or something a little unusual? Neuzelbeurs is a large indoor second-hand fair and returns to De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, with more than 200 stalls offering a wide variety of second-hand goods and collectables.
Whether you’re a dedicated bargain hunter, a vintage enthusiast or simply looking for an affordable weekend outing, the fair offers plenty to explore.
More Than 200 Stalls to Discover
Visitors can browse stalls selling clothing, toys, books, games, vinyl records, tableware, collectables and other interesting finds.
With such a wide range of sellers, every stall offers something different. You might find something you’ve been searching for or discover an unexpected treasure.
Neuzelbeurs is also a great opportunity to shop second-hand, give pre-loved items a new home and enjoy a relaxed day out.
A Weekend for Bargain Hunters
The fair takes place in the spacious exhibition halls of De Broodfabriek in Rijswijk, just outside The Hague.
There’s no need to speak Dutch to enjoy browsing the stalls, making it an accessible outing for international residents and families.
More Dates Coming Up
Can’t make it this weekend? Neuzelbeurs returns to De Broodfabriek Rijswijk several more times before the end of 2026:
31 October–1 November 2026
21–22 November 2026
12–13 December 2026
All three upcoming editions are scheduled to run from 10:00 to 17:00 on both days. Check the official website for the latest information.
Practical Information
Dates: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026
Time: 10:00–17:00 on both days
Location: De Broodfabriek Rijswijk, Volmerlaan 12, 2288 GD Rijswijk
More than 600 food systems professionals, policymakers, researchers and entrepreneurs from the Netherlands and around the world will gather in The Hague on Tuesday 20 October 2026 for the eighth edition of NFP World Food Day.
Taking place at the Fokker Terminal, this international event explores how collaboration can help build fairer, healthier and more sustainable food systems, particularly through partnerships with countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Organised by Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP), in cooperation with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, the event’s theme is Partnerships that Feed the Future: Facing Today’s Reality, Taking Action for Tomorrow.
Addressing Global Food Challenges
Climate change, droughts, flooding, conflicts and disruptions to international supply chains continue to put pressure on global food security.
NFP World Food Day brings together representatives from government, business, research institutions and civil society to explore practical solutions and strengthen international cooperation.
Among the speakers are Dr Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, a Nigerian entrepreneur and expert in agriculture, nutrition and social innovation, and Steven Collet from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Journalist, presenter and filmmaker Ikenna Azuike will host the event.
An Interactive Programme
Alongside keynote presentations and panel discussions, the event features interactive sessions, practical examples and networking opportunities.
Programme highlights include:
Partnerships that Finance the Future: Exploring how seed companies and other agricultural businesses can access investment and overcome financing challenges.
From Partnerships to Delivery: Examining how international cooperation can lead to practical improvements in food security.
The International Year of the Female Farmer: Highlighting the contributions, experiences and challenges of women working in agriculture.
Resilience Food Stories: Sharing experiences from farmers and food communities across 22 countries.
Leadership from Within: Exploring personal leadership, reflection and approaches to creating meaningful change.
Participants can also meet potential partners and connect with organisations working on food systems innovation.
Practical Information
Date: Tuesday 20 October 2026
Time: 10:00–18:00
Location: Fokker Terminal, Binckhorstlaan 249, The Hague
Admission: Free and open to interested participants, including those involved in food systems, agriculture, sustainability and international development. Advance registration is required, and places may be limited.
What does it mean to experience homelessness, and how does it shape someone’s life? A new exhibition at Atrium City Hall in The Hague invites visitors to look beyond assumptions and discover the people, experiences and creativity behind homelessness.
Meer dan Dakloos (More than Homeless), presented by the Municipality of The Hague from 12 to 24 October 2026, features the work of six artists who have experienced homelessness or insecure housing.
The exhibition was organised around World Homeless Day on 10 October, an international occasion dedicated to raising awareness of homelessness.
Looking Beyond Homelessness
Through their artwork, the six participating artists share personal perspectives on their experiences.
For some, homelessness is a central theme in their work. Others explore subjects such as identity, resilience, dreams and everyday life.
Together, their work highlights an important message: homelessness may have a profound effect on someone’s circumstances, but it does not define who they are.
Visitors are encouraged to see the individuals behind the label and recognise that homelessness can affect people from many different backgrounds.
Portraits and Personal Stories
The exhibition includes portraits by documentary photographer Jeffrey Grouwstra and interviews by journalist Judith Eykelenboom.
Their work offers further insight into the lives of the participating artists, including the experiences that have shaped them and the challenges they have faced.
Grouwstra’s photography focuses on personal stories connected to wider social issues. He is also the founder of KijkLab, a studio specialising in participatory photography.
Eykelenboom explores the people behind the stories, giving greater visibility to experiences and perspectives that are often overlooked.
Raising Awareness in The Hague
At the exhibition’s opening, aldermen Arjen Dubbelaar, responsible for social shelter, and Kavish Partiman, responsible for housing, highlighted the importance of understanding homelessness beyond the familiar stereotypes.
The municipality also draws attention to less visible forms of homelessness, including people temporarily staying with friends or relatives or living in other insecure housing arrangements.
The exhibition aims to encourage greater understanding of these experiences and the importance of having a stable place to live.
Practical Information
Exhibition: Meer dan Dakloos (More than Homeless)
Dates: 12–24 October 2026
Location: Atrium City Hall, Spui 70, The Hague
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 07:00–19:00; Thursday 07:00–21:30. The Atrium is closed on Sundays and on Saturday 17 October due to maintenance.
This autumn, the Japanese Garden at the Clingendael Estate will reopen its doors to visitors. From October 10 to 25, 2026, residents of The Hague and visitors from outside the city can enjoy one of the most beautiful and unique places in The Hague. New this year is that visitors must reserve a free time slot in advance. A visit to the garden remains free.
The Japanese Garden attracts thousands of visitors every year. Due to its growing popularity, long queues and peak times have regularly occurred in the garden in recent years. With a new reservation system, visitors are better distributed throughout the day. This ensures that a visit to the garden remains pleasant while simultaneously protecting the fragile nature and cultural heritage. Starting September 17, visitors can reserve a time slot via denhaag.nl/japansetuin . Admission to the garden remains free.
” The Japanese Garden is one of The Hague’s most beautiful green gems. We see that more and more people want to enjoy it, and that is wonderful. At the same time, we have the responsibility to pass on this unique place well to future generations. With the reservation system, we combine accessibility with careful management: visitors will have a more pleasant visit, and we protect the valuable greenery and heritage that The Hague is proud of,” says Alderwoman Isabelle Broeders (Public Space).
Protecting for the future
The Japanese Garden is a unique piece of heritage in The Hague. The garden, over 100 years old, is known for its special Japanese ornamental elements, rare trees and plants, and fragile mosses. Precisely because of this special and fragile nature, the garden is open for only a few weeks a year.
With the reservation system, the municipality is taking the next step to keep the garden future-proof. By better distributing visitors, the pressure on vulnerable parts of the garden decreases, and this special place is preserved for future generations.
Practical information
The Japanese Garden is open from October 10 to October 25, 2026.
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
Book a time slot in advance via denhaag.nl/japansetuin . Reservations can be made from September 17, 2026.
UPDATE: Unfortunately tickets are now fully booked.
Those wishing to visit the Japanese Garden are advised to reserve a time slot well in advance due to high demand. It is expected that many visitors will find their way to this special place on the Clingendael Estate again this autumn.
