A perfect day trip from Amsterdam, The Hague houses some wonderful art experiences.
Here are three that I'd highly recommend, all a short ride from The Hague's main train station:
Opened in 2016, The Voorlinden Museum has an incredible collection of modern pieces to explore. Built to house Joop van Caldenborgh’s private collection and library, as well as international traveling exhibits, it’s a must see and a huge gift for art lovers.
Designed by the rockstar architectural firm of Kraaijvanger, and located in the beautiful suburb of Wassenaar, the grounds are lush and tranquil and include playfully landscaped gardens and a 1910 Mansion which is now their restaurant.
Nearby, also in Wassenaar, is another treat for modern art fans: van Caldenborgh’s extensive private sculpture garden, Clingenbosch. The 50+ acre garden houses over 60 pieces, many commissioned especially for this location. Works include Dutch and international artists like Henry Moore, Sol LeWitt, Berlinde De Bruyckere, Carel Visser and Atelier van Lieshout.
Viewing is limited to May through October, only on Thursday afternoons and in small group tours. So, book early and combine this with the Voorlinden for an inspiring infusion of modern wonders. Note also, that this walking tour has limited paved pathways.
The third experience I highly recommend is the Panoroma Mesdag, the largest painting in The Netherlands as well as the largest circular diorama in Europe. Created in 1881, by H.W. Mesdag, his wife (who is painted with her easel in the piece), and a group of collaborators from The Hague School it is a beautiful, light shifting, wonder of the fishing village of Scheveningen.
This experience literally steps you inside this masterpiece, and back in time and place.
Truly awe-inspiring!
While there, do also check out their other exhibits, fun gift shop and their café which serves light meals and perfect coffee drinks.
Enjoy, and goede reis :)
Images from top left:
Minster (Tony Cragg,1992) at the Clingenbosch Garden*; Panorama Mesdag**; Food For Thought, (Maha Malluh, 2014)**; The Voorlinden Museum; Exclamation Point (Richard Artschwager,1995), 4 x 2 (Shinkichi Tajiri, 1967)* and The Panorama Mesdag.
Photos: Ed Jensen at the Clingenbosch*, Lisa Zamarin** and museum websites.