The Municipality of The Hague is preparing plans for a major renovation of Kunstmuseum Den Haag, one of the city’s best-known museums. The municipal executive has asked the city council to approve €2 million in preparatory funding to investigate how the historic building can be renovated and made more sustainable, along with a further €500,000 to explore improvements to its art storage facilities.
The museum, housed in the monumental building designed by architect H.P. Berlage on Stadhouderslaan, faces several challenges. Its technical installations are outdated, the storage facilities in the basement are affected by moisture problems, and visitor facilities are struggling to accommodate the large number of people who visit each year.
A Museum Welcoming Far More Visitors Than Originally Planned
Kunstmuseum Den Haag is home to an internationally renowned collection, including the world’s largest collection of works by Piet Mondrian. The building was originally designed to accommodate approximately 85,000 visitors annually, but now welcomes around 450,000 visitors each year.
Alderman for Culture Lotte van Basten Batenburg emphasised the importance of preserving the museum for future generations.
“Kunstmuseum is one of The Hague’s cultural treasures. Every year, almost half a million visitors from the Netherlands and abroad come to enjoy its world-class collection and wonderful exhibitions. However, the building is in need of a thorough renovation.”
She explained that the preparatory funding would allow the municipality to investigate different renovation options before presenting the city council with proposals.
Improving Accessibility, Sustainability and Art Storage
If the council approves the funding, the municipality will begin developing plans for the necessary renovations and a range of additional improvements.
These could include making the museum more accessible for visitors with disabilities, improving facilities for large groups such as school classes, and making changes to support museum operations and the historic garden.
The municipality will also examine ways to make the building more energy-efficient while preserving its architectural heritage.
A separate investigation will focus on the museum’s storage facilities, known as the depot, where artworks are kept when they are not on public display. Several options will be considered to ensure the collection can be stored safely in the future, including the possibility of constructing a new storage facility.
Decisions Expected in Spring 2027
The Municipality of The Hague owns both the Kunstmuseum building and its art collection, while the museum manages the collection and makes it accessible through exhibitions, educational programmes and other activities.
As the building’s owner, the municipality is responsible for its renovation.
Technical investigations and further planning will take place over the coming months, with the municipal executive intending to present the city council with options in spring 2027.
The proposed preparatory funding does not yet represent approval of the full renovation project. The final scope, costs and approach will depend on the results of the investigations and future council decisions.
The aim is to preserve the historic Berlage building, improve conditions for the collection and ensure that Kunstmuseum Den Haag remains accessible and welcoming for future generations.
Source/Image Credit: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English/Editing: The Hague Online
Photograph: Gerrit Schreurs