Madurodam is a miniature city park in The Hague where the Netherlands is rebuilt at a scale of 1 to 25. Windmills, canal houses, Schiphol airport, the Delta Works and the Binnenhof stand in small form on landscaped paths, with moving trains, ships and planes that bring them to life. The park describes about 430 models, and since the Binnenhof is currently under renovation in real life, seeing it here is a neat way to appreciate the buildings. Beyond the models there are seven indoor attractions, among them a time-travel exhibit about New Amsterdam and walk-through art experiences inspired by Vermeer and Van Gogh, plus The Wind Chaser and a café and gift shop. It was named after a young resistance fighter, George Maduro, and the park's profits go to charity. It is aimed at families but is genuinely absorbing for adults.
Plan a visit as a loop through the country. Begin with the big-ticket models, such as the airport and the water-management works, then drift through the old Dutch towns with their canal houses and windmills. Look for the interactive elements: some models respond to buttons and some have small scenes, such as moving trains and boats, that give the park its charm. The indoor attractions are useful buffers if the weather turns, and they make Madurodam a workable choice even in a cold November. Wheelchair access is good and parking is available nearby.
Opening patterns matter. The park says it is open 365 days a year, with admission and checkouts closing one hour before closing time, and the booking page shows daily opening from around 10:00 to 18:00, although hours can shift with the season and school holidays. Check the day you plan to visit, and in winter look out for themed periods, which the park runs through the cold months.
Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed, and kennels can be booked by phone. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled once bought, so choose the date with care.
Tram 9 stops at Madurodam, and it is a short ride from Den Haag Centraal and a natural stop between the city and Scheveningen. Allow two to three hours for the models and a meal, longer with younger children or if you want to try every indoor experience. Combined tickets with the Mauritshuis or Escher in Het Paleis make it easy to mix a family attraction with a museum on the same trip.
What to expect
The experience
A walk-through park of 1:25 scale models of Dutch landmarks, with moving trains and boats and several indoor experiences.
Best time
A dry morning for the outdoor models, with the indoor attractions held back for a shower.
How long
Two to three hours, longer with young children.
Tips
Open every day, but hours shift by season, so check your date. Tickets cannot be rescheduled once bought. Take tram 9 to the door.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children aged about four to twelve, and anyone who enjoys detailed models.
- Families
- The interactive models, moving trains and indoor experiences keep children busy for hours.
- Couples
- A light, fun afternoon, ideally on a dry day with a stop at the café.
- Pair with
- The Mauritshuis or Escher museum on a different slot, or Scheveningen beach by tram.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
What is Madurodam?+
It is a miniature park in The Hague with about 430 models of Dutch landmarks at a scale of 1 to 25. There are also seven indoor attractions, a café and a shop.
Is Madurodam open in winter?+
Yes, the park says it is open 365 days a year, with entrance closing one hour before closing time. Hours vary with the season, so check the date you plan to visit.
How do I get there?+
Take tram 9 from Den Haag Centraal to the Madurodam stop. There is parking nearby, and the site is wheelchair accessible.
Can I change my ticket date?+
Online tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so pick your date carefully. Check the weather forecast if you are choosing a day for the outdoor models.
Why is it called Madurodam?+
The park is named after George Maduro, a young resistance fighter who died in a concentration camp during the Second World War. His parents helped found the park in his memory.
