Mauritshuis, The Hague

Private tour in the Royal Collection of paintings, Mauritshuis.

World class quality. Best seventeenth century Dutch masters.

NEW. XXL Rijksmuseum Vermeer show 2023. Preparation class for the Rijksmuseum Vermeer blockbuster show 2023

NEW July 2020: Millimeter Exact measurements on View of Delft

NEW  Stolen Vermeer from Boston, resurrected.

 

 

Join me for a visit to the Royal Collection of paintings, Mauritshuis. It contains masterworks by Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Jan Steen, Paulus Potter, Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael, Hans Holbein the Younger, and many others. It also shows the famous „Goldfinch” by Fabritius.

Housed in the private mansion of Johan Maurits, the ex-Governor of Brazil, you will find the outstanding Royal Collection of Paintings, held by the head of State, now King Willem Alexander. The quality level of the collection is incredibly high – to give you an idea: comparable to The Frick Collection in NYC which is also housed in a private mansion.

In 1820, the building was bought by the Dutch state for the purpose of housing the Royal Cabinet of Paintings. In those years King William I started purchasing works of art. In 1822, it was opened to the public and housed the Royal Cabinet of Paintings and the Royal Cabinet of Rarities. At this time the famous Vermeer ‘View of Delft’ entered the collection under the correct Vermeer label. Most other Vermeers elsewhere in the world were mis-labeled.

In 1875, the entire museum was redesigned to hold only paintings. After WW2, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis decided to swap works to and fro, strengthening the early Flemish collection in The Hague. All in all it is a jewel box full of the highest quality paintings: Vermeer, Hals, Rembrandt, Dou, and many many others.

For many art aficionados this museum is the highlight of an entire journey. During the last renovation, the building across the street was connected to it by an underground passage, forming extra space for temporary exhibitions and a cafe.

Nearby, outside  are the inner court of the Counts of Holland, now the Houses of Parliament. At 5 minutes walk is the new white XXL City Hall with its incredible Atrium, by architect Richard Meier. Always good for a gasp!

Take a walk or a taxi or tram ride in The Hague.

 

Review, 2019: “Hello Kees! I want to thank you again for our exquisite tour of the Mauritshuis museum today! This might sound cliche, but it was truly a dream come true!!  I could never have imagined having someone of your qualifications leading our private tour! You are such a gift to art lovers!  Thank you again and best wishes!  Virginia Swanson. PS. And, by the way…. your tour was worth 10 times… even 100 times,  the amount we paid!  We’re beyond grateful!  Again , best wishes!” 

Tour by Drs Kees Kaldenbach, a professional Art History scholar with excellent teaching skills. Specialist in Fine art and Design, Architecture and History. VIP entry.

Drs Kees Kaldenbach: „…he is wildly overqualified to be a guide . That is his secret… Trust me on this.” Gabe. Statement made February, 2017.

 

HOW TO GET THERE

The Hague is easy to reach with public transport, by train. From the train station it is a 10 minute walk. I hold a Dutch Railways rebate card, so for this train tour I can offer you a special rebate of 40% for three separate adult railway tickets. This makes it economical for you as clients. I can join you from your hotel or from the Amsterdam train station.

Various other options are open to you: a) You can hire a car and drive it yourself, and I will join you starting in Amsterdam and will advise you about the best route. b) We can hire a professional taxibus service at around E 70 per hour for about 4 to 5 hours. On top of that you will pay me as the specialist guide. This is the more expensive option.

Drs Kees Kaldenbach: „…he is wildly overqualified to be a guide . That is his secret… Trust me on this.” Gabe. Statement made February, 2017.