1885 newspaper advertisement page featuring Zuid-Hollandsche Boek- en Handelsdrukkerij, Kurhaus Scheveningen, J.P. Rademaker NV, Jaeger clothing, Rotterdamse Bureel van Boekhouding Confedentia, Carll Philipp Wollrabe

Kurhaus Of Scheveningen

Kurhaus of Scheveningen: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide in The Hague

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Overlooking the North Sea in The Hague, the Kurhaus of Scheveningen is one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated architectural and cultural landmarks. Originally conceived in the 19th century as a health retreat, the Kurhaus has evolved into a grand hotel and event venue, blending historic elegance with modern luxury. Its domed roof, ornate façade, and storied concert hall symbolize Scheveningen’s transformation from a fishing village into a vibrant seaside destination.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview for visitors, including historical highlights, architectural features, ticketing and access information, tips for exploring nearby attractions, and practical advice on travel and accessibility. Whether you’re a history buff, a cultural explorer, or a leisure traveler, the Kurhaus promises an enriching experience. For more detailed planning, consult official resources linked throughout this guide (scheveningen.com; amrathkurhaus.com; solosophie.com).

Vintage NS poster promoting train connections from European cities to Scheveningen via Emmerich featuring a woman in traditional costume and the Kurhaus with pier

World Chess Championship 1948 in The Hague featuring players Keres and Smyslov at Kurhaus Hotel

Black and white photo from 1956 showing a street scene in the Netherlands with people and buildings

Shipwrecked boats stranded on Scheveningen beach after December 1894 storm in Hague Netherlands

Scheveningse meisjes in originele kostuums bij Onafhankelijkheidsfeesten Nederland 1913 voor Kuhrhaus in Scheveningen

Historic view of Havenstraat harbor area in Scheveningen with early 20th century vehicles and ships

Historic view of the boulevard at Scheveningen in front of the Kurhaus hotel around 1900-1910

Historic black and white stereophotograph showing the Kurhaus hotel in Scheveningen from a breakwater circa 1900-1910

View of the Kurhaus hotel in Scheveningen after the fire in 1886-1887

Hotel het Kurhaus in Scheveningen circa 1900 viewed from Geverts Deynoutplein

Historic Hotel het Kurhaus in Scheveningen viewed from the beach around 1900

Hotel het Kurhaus in Scheveningen seen from the beach circa 1900

Interior of the Kurhaus hotel in Scheveningen after the fire in 1886-1887

Black and white photo of EMS shareholders' annual meeting at Kurhaus with protest sign demanding Kurhaus to remain

Kurhaus hotel in The Hague Scheveningen black and white

Backside view of Kurhaus building with a lawn in front

Front view of Kurhaus hotel building with classical architecture and columns

Vintage advertisement for Kurhaus Scheveningen in Land en Volk magazine from 1908

Black and white historical photograph of Scheveningen beach in Holland, 1907

1. Historical Overview

Early Origins (1818–1884): From Pavilion to Municipal Bathhouse

In 1818, Jacob Pronk established a simple wooden pavilion on the Scheveningen beach, capitalizing on the rising popularity of seawater cures among Europe’s elite. The pavilion served as a modest spa with bathing carriages for discreet sea access. As demand grew, the city of The Hague built a more elaborate stone bathhouse in 1826, adding hotel rooms, a library, and dining facilities. This marked Scheveningen’s emergence as a fashionable seaside resort (scheveningen.com; isgeschiedenis.nl).

The Grand Kurhaus (1884–1885): A Vision Realized

To compete with other European resorts, The Hague’s city council and private investors commissioned a new, grander facility. Designed by Johann Friedrich Henkenhaf and Friedrich Ebert, construction began in 1884 and the Kurhaus opened in 1885. The building featured 150 rooms, an opulent concert hall (Kurzaal), a restaurant, elevator, and modern plumbing—a showcase of Belle Époque luxury (scheveningen.com; en.wikipedia.org).

Cultural Significance and Events

The Kurhaus quickly became a hub for high society, hosting concerts, balls, and major gatherings. Legendary performers such as Edith Piaf, Duke Ellington, and The Rolling Stones graced its stage. Its reputation as a center for culture and entertainment was cemented when the Rolling Stones’ 1964 concert famously ended in chaos, underscoring the venue’s enduring appeal (en.wikipedia.org).

Preservation and Modern Era

Facing decline in the 1960s, the Kurhaus underwent major restoration in the 1970s to preserve its architectural integrity. Since 2014, it operates as the Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, balancing historical preservation with modern amenities. Today, it’s a protected monument and remains a venue for classical concerts, festivals, and community events (isgeschiedenis.nl; denhaag.com).

2. Architectural Highlights

Style: Neo-Renaissance and Belle Époque, with a distinctive central dome and two symmetrical wings (art-facts.com).
Kurzaal: The grand concert hall features ornate ceilings, exceptional acoustics, and decorative art by Van Hoeck.
Modern Innovations: Early adoption of elevators and advanced plumbing set the Kurhaus apart as a leader in luxury hospitality.

The Kurhaus’s design maximizes seaside views and blends seamlessly with the promenade. Its terraces and balconies invite visitors to experience the rejuvenating sea air—a nod to its origins as a wellness retreat (scheveningen.com; solosophie.com).

3. Visiting the Kurhaus: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Visiting Hours

Hotel & Lobby: Open 24/7 for guests; public areas generally accessible from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Kurzaal & Event Spaces: Open during scheduled events, concerts, or special programs (check official calendar).
Restaurant & Bar: Open daily for breakfast, lunch, high tea, and dinner; reservations recommended.

Tickets and Guided Tours

Entry: No general admission fee for hotel lobby, bar, or restaurant visitors.
Events: Tickets required for concerts, exhibitions, and special events. Purchase online or at the venue (amrathkurhaus.com).
Guided Tours: Available by advance booking, offering insights into architectural features and the Kurhaus’s storied past.

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access: Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout.
Assistance: Contact the hotel in advance for tailored services.
Renovation Updates: Ongoing boulevard renovations (2024–2025) are improving accessibility, including new ramps and direct beach access (denhaag.com).

4. Accommodation and Amenities

The Kurhaus operates as a five-star hotel with 265 rooms and suites, many offering sweeping views of the North Sea or Scheveningen boulevard (scheveningen.com). Amenities include:

Fine Dining: Restaurant Waves serves classic French cuisine and fresh seafood.
Bar and Lounge: Ideal for cocktails and light bites, often with live music.
Spa & Wellness: Indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, treatment rooms, and wellness packages (amrathkurhaus.com).
Event Spaces: Elegant ballrooms and meeting rooms for weddings, conferences, and cultural events.

5. Getting There and Practical Tips

Location

Address: Gevers Deynootplein 30, 2586 CK The Hague, Netherlands (Amrâth Kurhaus)
Public Transport: Easily reached via tram lines 1 and 9, and bus lines 21, 22, 23 from Den Haag Centraal.
Parking: On-site paid parking for guests; alternative garages nearby. During peak periods, public transport is recommended due to limited parking (Booking.com).
Bicycle Rental: Available at the hotel.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: April–June and September–October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Weather: The North Sea coast can be windy and rainy—bring suitable clothing.
Accessibility: The boulevard renovation will further improve barrier-free access, especially for wheelchair users and families with strollers.
Reservations: Book rooms, dining, spa appointments, and event tickets in advance during peak seasons (amrathkurhaus.com).

6. Events, Festivals, and Cultural Life

Classical Concerts & Jazz Evenings: The Kurzaal continues to host renowned musical performances.
Special Events: Annual festivals, including the Festival Classique, and community events such as open days during the boulevard renovation (denhaag.com).
Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s Dive): Held annually near the Kurhaus, though temporarily relocated during renovations (nieuwsuitscheveningen.nl).

7. Nearby Attractions

Scheveningen Pier: Observation wheel, shops, and panoramic views.
Museum Beelden aan Zee: Modern sculpture museum.
SEA LIFE Scheveningen: Family-friendly aquarium.
Beach and Promenade: Cafés, bars, and lively atmosphere.
The Hague City Center: Only 15 minutes by tram, featuring museums and shopping (Scheveningen.com).

8. Photographic Highlights

Façade and Dome: Best photographed from Kurhausplein or the beach, especially at sunset.
Kurzaal Interior: Features ornate ceilings and period décor.
Boulevard: The newly renovated plaza and beach staircases offer fresh perspectives.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Kurhaus Scheveningen visiting hours?
A: Public areas are generally open 7:00 AM–11:00 PM; hotel is open 24/7; event hours vary. Always check the official website for the latest updates.

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No ticket is required for general public areas. Tickets are necessary for concerts, exhibitions, and special events.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by advance booking through the hotel or local tourism offices.

Q: Is the Kurhaus accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Yes, with elevators and ramps throughout. Recent renovations improve access further.

Q: What nearby attractions can I visit?
A: Scheveningen Pier, Museum Beelden aan Zee, SEA LIFE aquarium, and the city center of The Hague.

10. Conclusion

The Kurhaus Scheveningen represents the pinnacle of Dutch coastal hospitality, seamlessly merging historic grandeur with modern amenities and vibrant cultural life. Whether you visit for a concert, a luxurious meal with sea views, or simply to soak in the ambiance of a storied landmark, the Kurhaus ensures a memorable experience. Plan ahead by checking visiting hours, booking necessary tickets, and exploring surrounding attractions for a full day or weekend in Scheveningen.