Kunstmuseum

The Kunstmuseum in Den Haag stands as an emblem of modern art institutions, rooted in an illustrious history dating back to 1866 when a group of artists and collectors founded the Society for the Development of a Museum of Modern Art. Their vision was embraced by civic leaders and prominent artists such as Philip Sadée and Hendrik Willem Mesdag, transforming the museum into a cultural centrepiece for Den Haag. The collection grew rapidly, outstripping its initial premises until it found a permanent home at its present site, reflecting both the historical depth and continuous expansion of its holdings through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The architectural flair of the museum is a distinguishing feature of its identity. Created by the renowned architect H. P. Berlage, the building eschews ostentatious materials such as marble in favour of an approachable yet striking construction using ordinary brick. Berlage’s goal was to foster a welcoming atmosphere rather than intimidate, integrating subtle detailing, colourful tiles, and bronze window frames. Since its unveiling in 1935, the museum has been celebrated as a highlight of modern architecture, with a layout that emphasises order and visitor comfort to allow for a contemplative engagement with the artwork on display.

Within the museum, visitors encounter an impressively curated selection of artworks tracing the development of modern art from the early nineteenth century to the present. The collection is especially renowned for its holdings of the Hague School, alongside masterpieces by luminaries such as Mondriaan, Picasso, Monet, Cézanne, and Kandinsky. Each piece contributes to a dynamic narrative, illustrating the evolving styles and movements that have shaped the panorama of modern art over several generations.

Beyond its painting galleries, the Kunstmuseum features five style rooms, an extensive print room with approximately 50,000 works on paper, and singular collections devoted to decorative arts and fashion. Notable are the original display cabinets used for the decorative arts and the world-class fashion collection, as well as exhibits devoted to music. This diversity positions the museum not merely as a repository of artworks but as a living institution showcasing the creative spectrum of artistic expression, from historical objets d’art to contemporary trends.

Kunstmuseum
Den Haag
The Netherlands