Maison De Bonneterie

Introduction

Maison de Bonneterie, nestled in the historic heart of The Hague, stands as a distinguished symbol of Dutch retail history, architectural splendor, and cultural continuity. Since its foundation in the late 19th century, this iconic building has witnessed—and contributed to—over a century of urban transformation and social evolution in The Hague. Today, it remains a beacon for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and visitors eager to explore the city’s unique cultural fabric. This guide offers a detailed overview of Maison de Bonneterie’s history, architectural features, visiting information, accessibility, and nearby attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this remarkable landmark. For further details, consult resources like Joods Erfgoed Den Haag and Den Haag Tourist Information.

Foundation and Growth (1889–1913):
Maison de Bonneterie began as a small Amsterdam shop opened by Josef Cohen and Rosa Wittgenstein in 1889, specializing in knitted textiles—hence its name, which means "hosiery." The Hague branch launched in 1895 at Gravenstraat 4, expanding rapidly to cater to the city’s burgeoning middle and upper classes. In 1913, architect Alphons Jacot unified and redesigned the building, introducing the historicist “Um 1800 Bewegung” style and the now-iconic stained-glass dome.

Interwar and WWII Impact:
Through the early 20th century, the store flourished as a high-end destination and social hub, closely linked to The Hague’s Jewish community. The Nazi occupation brought tragedy: the store was seized, staff dismissed, and many perished. A memorial plaque inside honors the 68 Jewish staff members lost during this era.

Postwar Era and Closure:
The postwar period saw a restoration of prosperity, with Maison de Bonneterie maintaining its reputation for luxury until its closure in 2014 due to shifting retail trends. The Cohen family retained ownership, and preservation efforts soon followed.

Architectural Heritage and Design

Maison de Bonneterie is a masterwork of early 20th-century eclecticism, blending Neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau influences. The grand façade features ornate stonework, arched windows, and decorative ironwork. The interior’s showpiece is the central atrium, topped by a stained-glass dome that floods the space with natural light, supported by slender iron columns and intricate motifs (Cityzeum).

Key features include:

• Grand staircase with wrought iron and marble
• Stained-glass windows and dome by Atelier H.L. Zalmé & Zn.
• Custom brass and crystal light fixtures
• Polished woodwork and display cabinets

The spatial organization guided visitors through elegant salons, each dedicated to different merchandise, enhancing both the shopping and architectural experience (Kunstmuseum Den Haag).

Innovative for its time, the building utilized steel frames for larger, open-plan spaces and incorporated elevators and wide staircases to accommodate increasing visitors.

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Recognized as a protected monument, Maison de Bonneterie underwent major refurbishment in 2009. Conservation efforts focused on restoring the façade, stained-glass dome, and interior finishes, as well as modernizing infrastructure while retaining historical character (DunnettCraven).

Since 2015, the building houses a flagship H&M store, which preserves and showcases the building’s unique architectural features. The adaptive reuse model ensures continued public access and heritage appreciation while offering a contemporary retail experience.

Visiting Maison de Bonneterie

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Maison de Bonneterie operates as an H&M store with the following hours (subject to change on holidays and special events):

• Monday: 11:00–19:00
• Tuesday–Saturday: 10:00–19:00
• Sunday: 12:00–18:00

Tickets:
Entry is free. Special exhibitions or guided tours (if available) may require tickets—check official listings for details.

Location and Accessibility

• Address: Gravenstraat 2, 2513 AJ The Hague
• Public Transport: Trams 1, 9, 15, 16, 17 (Halte Spui or Centrum); bus lines nearby; 15-minute walk from The Hague Central Station
• Parking: Q-Park Grote Markt, Parking Garage Spui
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible with elevators and ramps

For up-to-date details, visit H&M The Hague Store Information or Den Haag Tourist Information.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Maison de Bonneterie’s central location makes it ideal for exploring other historical and cultural sites:

• Binnenhof: Historic seat of Dutch government (Binnenhof)
• Mauritshuis: Masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt (Mauritshuis)
• Passage: The Netherlands’ oldest shopping arcade (Passage)
• Grote Kerk: Monumental church nearby (Grote Kerk)

Travel Tips:

• Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.
• The area is pedestrian-friendly and dotted with cafés and restaurants, such as Boterwaag (Boterwaag).
• Maison de Bonneterie is included in some local guided walking tours—check with local operators for schedules.

Visitor Experience & Visual Highlights

Visitors are encouraged to explore the:

• Grand staircase and railings
• Stained-glass dome
• Ornate façade and arched windows
• Memorial plaques

Photography is generally allowed, but ask staff if using professional equipment.

Images for Reference:

Explore more visuals and an interactive map here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Maison de Bonneterie a museum?
No, it currently operates as an H&M retail store. However, visitors can appreciate the historic architecture during store hours.

Are tickets required?
No tickets are needed for general entry. Special events may require advance booking.

Is the building accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, with ramps and elevators.

Are guided tours available?
Not regularly, but Maison de Bonneterie is featured in some local walking tours.

Can I take photographs?
Yes, in public areas—please check with staff for specific restrictions.

Discover More

Maison de Bonneterie stands as a living testament to The Hague’s layered history—melding architectural grandeur, cultural memory, and vibrant modern use. Whether you’re admiring the stained-glass dome, tracing the city’s social history, or simply enjoying a unique shopping environment, this site offers a window into the city’s past and present.

Plan your visit today. For audio guides, exclusive tips, and updates on The Hague’s historical sites, download the free Audiala app. For more inspiration and information, follow us on social media and explore our related articles.