10 History Museums in The Hague That You Shouldn't Miss

The Oranjehotel was the nickname for the Scheveningen prison during the Second World War. Here, the Germans detained over 25000 people for interrogation and prosecution. Often, the reason was that they were involved with the resistance. During a visit to the Oranjehotel, you will get to hear the impressive stories of the prisoners. It makes you realise just how vulnerable freedom really is.

A magnificent experience in time and space.

The primary location of the museum foundation is an authentically decorated command bunker of type 608 (Battalions,- Departmental or regimentalCommand post). From this bunker and the nearby villas was by the occupying military command Stutzpunkgruppe Scheveningen lined. The bunker is mostly original furnishings and gives visitors the unique experience of a tangible past. There are also original historical objects of German, British, Canadian and American forces exhibited. In the adjacent personnel bunker type 622 (Doppelgruppenunterstand) Is a 'time capsule'; one of the two common rooms furnished with only unrestored objects. The visitor gets the impression that the bunker since the end of World War II has remained untouched. In reality, most looted bunkers in the Netherlands after the war and stripped of all valuable parts. The other lounge is an exhibition space for photographs, art and historical objects.

The complex Near the boulevard of Kijkduin, under the dunes, lies is a hidden tunnel system; a part of the complex Widerstandsnest 67 HL. The biggest part of this once huge complex has been demolished for the construction of the mall and the nearby apartments. In the dunes behind the NH Atlantic Hotel still remain about one hundred meters of tunnel connecting four bunkers. This part of the complex housed the Flugwache, a part of the Luftwaffe that had to search the skies for enemy aircrafts. Restoration Because a piece of tunnel was demolished after the war, the tunnel system was only partly accessible. In July 2015, the Foundation has rebuilt this section thus reconnected the three remaining parts of the complex. Next, the volunteers worked long days to clean up the tunnels and bunkers and make them safe for visitors. Besides these necessary restaurations, the tunnel system will be left in it's original state as much as possible. A total of approximately 80 metres of tunnels and ...

In the year 1280 AD, the gate to the outer courtyard or Buitenhof served as the main entrance to the castle of the Counts of Holland, known as the Binnenhof today. In 1428, this ‘Front Gate to the Court’ also became a prison. It was where defaulters were incarcerated and suspected criminals awaited their trials. It was a prison for four hundred years. The Prison Gate has been a museum since 1882. Ever since, it has been home to the biggest collection of instruments of punishment and torture in the Netherlands.

The Historical Museum of The Hague is located in the historical heart of The Hague. The museum is housed in the former archery house of St. Sebastian's guild and dates from 1636. It is built on the spot of a gatehouse that was used by the civic guard. Since the late 18th century, after the dissolution of the civic guard guild the building has been used as a hotel, court house and museum. Since 1986 the Historical Museum of The Hague resides in the St. Sebastiaansdoelen. Nowadays, the Historical Museum of The Hague tells you the story of The Hague, about its government and inhabitants. Temporary exhibitions with a Hague twist are shown. Also, the Museum organises several events and activities.