Huygens Museum Hofwijck

Published: 05 November 2010 Modified: 26 August 2011

Constantijn Huygens (1596-1687) was a fascinating man with many talents. He was secretary to the Orange stadhouders, and a highly accomplished artist and scientist in his free time.

You can admire the life and works of Huygens at Hofwijck, the partially surviving and beautifully restored country estate in Voorburg. Huygens had Hofwijck built according to his own specifications, creating a harmonious environment where he could retreat when he wanted to escape the bustle and the political machinations of life in The Hague.

At Hofwijck you can visit the Huygens Museum, go on a guided tour, arrange a school visit, attend a concert or lecture, get married in a 17th century setting, or enjoy a dinner or meeting.

In Huygens' days, Hofwijck was a one-hour trip from The Hague by horse-drawn towboat. Today the country retreat is located in the middle of Voorburg, close to the railway and motorway.