#59🖼️ Art & EncyclopedicThe Hague, Netherlands

Mauritshuis

Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' lives here

About Mauritshuis

A jewel-box collection of Dutch Golden Age painting in a 17th-century city palace beside the Binnenhof — small but spectacular.

Founded in 1822, Mauritshuis has been welcoming visitors for over 204 years. Today it draws approximately 600,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, the museum holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 9,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.

Why Mauritshuis ranks #59

Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #59 in our composite ranking, Mauritshuis represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.

Must-see highlights

With a recommended visit time of 1.5 hours, planning your route through Mauritshuis is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:

◆Girl with a Pearl Earring (Vermeer)
◆View of Delft (Vermeer)
◆The Anatomy Lesson (Rembrandt)
◆The Goldfinch (Fabritius)
◆Bull (Potter)

Recognition & awards

Mauritshuis has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice

Planning your visit

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (Thu until 20:00). Closed Mon.

How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 1.5 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.

Getting there: Mauritshuis is located in The Hague, Netherlands at coordinates 52.0799°N, 4.3138°E. View on Google Maps →

Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.

History of Mauritshuis

Mauritshuis was established in 1822, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in The Hague. With 600,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Netherlands's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.

Other top art & encyclopedic museums

If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Mauritshuis, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:

#1Musée du LouvreParis, France
#2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
#3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
#4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
#5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Mauritshuis?

Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (Thu until 20:00). Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.

How long should I spend at Mauritshuis?

Most visitors recommend spending 1.5 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.

Where is Mauritshuis located?

Mauritshuis is located in The Hague, Netherlands. The exact coordinates are 52.0799°, 4.3138°. You can find directions via Google Maps.

What is Mauritshuis known for?

Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' lives here. Key highlights include Girl with a Pearl Earring (Vermeer), View of Delft (Vermeer), The Anatomy Lesson (Rembrandt). The museum holds a 4.8/5 rating from 9,500 reviews.