Mauritshuis The Hague: Visit Girl with a Pearl Earring

If you could only choose one museum in The Hague, the Mauritshuis would be my top pick. It's where you can come face-to-face with Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'.

Located next to the Binnenhof, by the Hofvijver pond, this building was originally a city palace constructed in the 17th century as the residence of Johan Maurits. Today, it houses a museum featuring paintings from the 17th-century Dutch and Flemish schools, allowing you to see masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer all in one place.

While not large in scale, its collection is densely packed with famous paintings, making the layout easy to navigate. It’s a great fit for travelers who appreciate lingering in front of a single masterpiece.

Moments Spent Before 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'

Most visitors to the Mauritshuis head straight for Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. Painted around 1665, this work isn't a portrait of a specific person but rather a 'tronie'—a depiction of an imaginary character.

As the girl in the turban turns her head over her shoulder, you're drawn to the soft glow of her skin, her moist lips, and the light reflecting off the large pearl. It's a close-up view of Vermeer's mastery in handling light.

With only 36 known works attributed to Vermeer, the time spent before the original painting feels even more special.

Golden Age Masterpieces: From Rembrandt to 'View of Delft'

Beyond the girl, there are many other paintings worth admiring. Key works include Vermeer's 'View of Delft', Rembrandt's 'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp', and Carel Fabritius's 'The Goldfinch' from 1654.

You can also see genre paintings by Jan Steen, Rembrandt's final self-portrait, and works like Paulus Potter's 'The Bull', which capture the daily lives and expressions of people in the 17th century.

The space itself is as much a draw as the art. Sparkling chandeliers, colorful ceiling paintings, silk-covered walls, and aged wooden floors evoke the atmosphere of a historic mansion.

Before Your Visit to the Mauritshuis

Opening hours are from 1 PM to 6 PM on Mondays and 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. Hours may vary on public holidays or during specific seasons, so it’s best to check the official website before your visit.

As it can get crowded, having your ticket ready in advance can make the experience smoother. Tickets are valid only for the specified date and are generally non-changeable and non-refundable after purchase. So, book once your schedule is set, and simply present your mobile voucher at the entrance.

Cash is not accepted inside the museum; payments can only be made by card or smartphone. Downloading the free Mauritshuis app allows you to listen to stories about the artworks as you explore.

It's easily accessible, just a 10-minute walk from The Hague Central Station. If you're eager to witness Vermeer's light firsthand, make sure to visit the Mauritshuis on your next trip to The Hague.