The Hague Municipal Archives

The Municipal Archives of The Hague (Haags Gemeentearchief) is housed in City Hall and is the documentation and information centre for the history of The Hague as recorded in documents, sound and visual media.

The Municipal Archives is part of a network throughout the Netherlands of hundreds of archive centres for various strata of government. Many municipalities, including The Hague, offer a special service for monitoring the workings of the various strata of government.

Here anyone can consult the archives free of charge, either for professional purposes, for study, or purely as a hobby. This extends to the other historical collections held in the Municipal Archives, including:

• a library which includes newspapers and magazines;
• a large collection of photographs, drawings, prints and maps which depict the city and its inhabitants through the centuries;
• private material from foundations and clubs in The Hague; and
• a collection of film and sound material.

Reading rooms

The Hague Municipal Archives has two reading rooms in The Hague City Hall (Spui 70).

The reading room on the ground level is for the consultation of books, digital collections and microfiches. The reading room at Level -1 is meant for the consultation of original materials. You must be able to produce a valid ID in order to view original materials. Professional staff can assist you in your research. 

More information about the opening hours and available services can be found on the Dutch municipal website. 

Conservation and restoration

Altogether, these items occupy 14 km of shelving. They are safely held in strong rooms which meet strict requirements regarding fire resistance and climate control. The Municipal Archives has its own restoration studio in which the archives and collections are conserved and even restored.

Nearly 12,000 people visit the Municipal Archives every year to carry out research into a wide range of topics (mostly connected with genealogical research). Photocopies are also available, although there is a charge for them.

Lectures and courses

In addition, the Municipal Archives organises lectures and courses, assists with the preparation of publications and organises exhibitions on various aspects of the history of The Hague, using materials drawn from its own resources and in cooperation with external partners in the city.

De Affiche Galerij

Since 2004 the Municipal Archives has also been responsible for De Affiche Galerij in the tram tunnel. The Affiche Galerij is located at the Spui station, under the Spui / Grote Marktstraat intersection. A new poster exhibition is mounted here four times a year.

The Hague Municipal Archives

The Hague City Hall
Spui 70
2511 BT The Hague

Telephone: (070) 353 70 42 or (070) 353 70 13
E-mail: postbus.hga@denhaag.nl
Website: www.denhaag.nl (in Dutch)

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 to 17.00 hrs.