Historic buildings, churches, government institutions and other architectural landmarks across The Hague will open their doors during Open Monumentendag (Open Monument Day) on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
The annual heritage weekend gives visitors the opportunity to look inside buildings that are normally closed or only partly accessible to the public. Entry to participating monuments is generally free, although some tours and locations require advance reservations.
The Hague has around 2,250 protected monuments and 20 protected cityscapes, making it one of the Netherlands’ leading heritage cities. Some of these buildings in the city centre, Scheveningen and Kijkduin will take part, with guided tours, exhibitions and other activities planned throughout the weekend.
Resilient heritage
Open Monumentendag celebrates its 40th edition in 2026. This year’s theme is Veerkrachtig erfgoed, or Resilient Heritage, focusing on how historic buildings, landscapes and traditions survive and adapt during times of uncertainty.
Across the Netherlands, thousands of monuments will open free of charge during the second weekend of September. The event forms part of the European Heritage Days programme, which is celebrated in countries throughout Europe.
Inside The Hague City Hall
The council chamber at The Hague City Hall will open to visitors on Saturday 12 September. Visitors can see where the city council debates and makes decisions and learn more about how local democracy works.
The white City Hall building, designed by American architect Richard Meier, opened in 1995 and is known locally as the Ice Palace.
Historic royal and government buildings are also traditionally among the most popular locations during Open Monumentendag. These have previously included Paleis Kneuterdijk, now used by the Council of State, and the offices of the King’s Cabinet.
Historic trams
The Haags Openbaar Vervoer Museum will mark the weekend with rides on historic trams through the city.
The vehicles are expected to include the Blauwe Tram dating from 1911, giving passengers the opportunity to experience a form of public transport that travelled through The Hague more than a century ago.
Details of routes, departure times and tickets will be published by the museum.
Binnenhof fully booked
Visitors were also offered a rare opportunity to enter the Binnenhof while the parliamentary complex is undergoing its extensive renovation.
All available tickets for the Open Monumentendag visits have already been reserved. Additional places may become available following cancellations, and interested visitors are advised to check the Binnenhof Open Monumentendag website.
Many other participating buildings can be visited without reservations. However, capacity may be limited and queues are possible at particularly popular locations.
The full programme, opening hours, accessibility information and reservation requirements will be published online ahead of the weekend.
Open Monumentendag takes place in The Hague and across the Netherlands on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
More information
Main website: https://www.openmonumentendag.nl
Open Monumentendag Den Haag: https://www.openmonumentendag.nl/comite/den-haag/
Historic tram: https://hovm.nl/uw-bezoek/open-monumentenweekend/
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