The Kunstmuseum Den Haag, formerly known as the Gemeentemuseum, is the city's main modern and applied art museum and is best known for holding one of the largest collections of Piet Mondrian in the world. The building itself is an attraction, a 1930s brick design by the architect H.P. Berlage with calm, light-filled galleries. Mondrian's late work, including the unfinished Victory Boogie Woogie, is the draw for many visitors, and the museum follows his path from landscapes to pure abstraction. Beyond Mondrian, the collection takes in fashion and costume, decorative arts, musical instruments and Delftware, and temporary exhibitions change through the year. Many visitors skip it for the Mauritshuis, but anyone interested in modern art and design will find it a rewarding half-day.
Plan your route by interest. Start with Mondrian, because the displays show his development in a clear sequence and explain how abstraction grew out of the Dutch landscape. Then move to the fashion and decorative arts galleries, which are visual and varied, and finish with whichever temporary exhibition is on. Check the museum's website for what is showing during your visit, because the programme changes through the winter. The building is large and quiet, which makes it a pleasant rainy-day refuge.
Entry is by timed slot, and the museum asks you to reserve one in advance even if you hold a discount pass. It is open from 10:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays, with shorter hours on 24 and 31 December and closures on 25 December and 1 January. Visitors under 19 are admitted free, young adults and students pay a reduced fare, and Museumkaart holders enter free. The shop can be visited without a ticket.
The museum sits at Stadhouderslaan 41, away from the old centre, so allow time to get there. Tram 17 and bus 24 run from Central Station, and paid parking is available in front of the museum. It pairs naturally with an afternoon at Scheveningen, which is not far away, or with Madurodam, a short ride off. Allow two to three hours for a relaxed visit, more if you enjoy design and fashion.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through a 1930s museum building with Mondrian, fashion, decorative arts and temporary exhibitions.
Best time
A weekday morning, which is calmer, with the tram ride out in the opposite direction from the crowds.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Reserve a timed slot in advance. Closed Mondays. Visitors under 19 are free and the shop can be visited without a ticket.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Modern art and design fans, and anyone who wants to see Mondrian's journey to abstraction.
- Families
- Free for under-19s, which helps, but the museum suits older children more than toddlers.
- Couples
- A calm half-day, then dinner back in the centre.
- Pair with
- Madurodam or Scheveningen on the same tram line, and the Mauritshuis on another day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
What is the Kunstmuseum Den Haag known for?+
It is known for its large Piet Mondrian collection, including late works such as Victory Boogie Woogie. It also has fashion, decorative arts and Delftware.
Do I need to reserve a slot?+
Yes, entry is by timed slot and the museum asks you to reserve one even if you hold a discount pass. Book ahead for weekends.
What are the opening hours?+
The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays. Hours are shorter on 24 and 31 December, and it is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
How do I get there?+
Tram 17 and bus 24 run from Central Station, and paid parking is available in front of the museum. It is outside the old centre, so allow extra time.
Is it free for children?+
Visitors under 19 enter free, and young adults and students pay a reduced price. Museumkaart holders also enter free.
