Escher in het Paleis

Where do you find water flowing uphill, birds changing into fish and figures walking endlessly up and down the staircase in the same courtyard? Witness these and other wonders in the museum Escher in het Paleis in The Hague.

Escher in Het Paleis opened in November 2002 in Queen Emma's beautiful former palace on the Lange Voorhout. The palace houses a huge collection of prints and drawings by the world-famous Dutch artist M.C. Escher.

M.C. Escher

Maurits Cornelis Escher (1898-1972) is a master at drawing impossible situations. In one of his drawings water flows uphill and in another fish transmogrify into birds. Escher was influenced by his tutor Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita, himself a great graphic artist, but also by the Moorish buildings and mosaics in Granada and Cordoba.

The Escher experience

Escher in Het Paleis is certainly the place to see the originals of famous works like 'Belvédère', 'Ascending and Descending', 'Day and Night' and parts of the 'Metamorphosis series'. But don't miss the other interesting exhibits, like the less well-known bookplates, wrapping paper designs for major stores, a New Year's greeting from friends and early self-portraits.

The ingenuity of Escher's work is fully revealed on the top floor of Het Paleis, where computer animation is used to throw a whole new light on the familiar pictures. This totally unique Virtual Reality experience will whirl you away on a thrilling 360-degree voyage of discovery right into the worlds of M.C. Escher. Actor Peter Faber will be your guide on this unforgettable experience, which also features opportunities for interaction and an exciting competition.

Royal Palace

In 2003 the Dutch sculptor Hans van Bentem designed 15 chandeliers for the former royal rooms on the ground floor and first floor. The chandeliers were made in the Czech Republic especially for Escher in het Paleis. Van Bentem chose Escher-like themes, like chandeliers in the shape of a fish and a bird. But some have nothing to do with Escher’s work, like the spider and the skull, which hang on the first floor.

Facilities

• café-restaurant
• cloakroom
• museum shop

Rules

Taking pictures without flash is allowed.

Wheelchair accessibility

All the rooms are wheelchair accessible and the museum has a lift which can accommodate a small wheelchair. The museum does not have a handicapped restroom.

Address

Escher in Het Paleis
Lange Voorhout 74
2514 EH The Hague

Telephone: (070) 427 77 30
Email: info@escherinhetpaleis.nl
Website: www.escherinhetpaleis.nl

Opening hours

Tuesday to Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00
Closed 25 December, 1 January and Prinsjesdag