Sculpture of Gandhi at Hobbemaplein in The Hague by Karel Gomes

Mohandas K. Gandhi

Mohandas K Gandhi Statue The Hague: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Mohandas K. Gandhi Statue in The Hague, Netherlands, stands as a powerful symbol of peace, non-violence, and intercultural harmony. Situated at Hobbemaplein and crafted by Dutch sculptor Karel Gomes, this life-sized bronze monument was unveiled in 2004. Its presence near prominent institutions like the Peace Palace and the International Court of Justice makes it a testament to The Hague’s reputation as the “City of Peace and Justice.” The Gandhi Statue not only celebrates Gandhi’s enduring legacy but also reflects the deep connections between India and the Netherlands and the significant Indian diaspora in the country (bkdh.nl; Indian Embassy Netherlands).

This detailed guide provides comprehensive information about the statue’s history, cultural significance, visiting hours, accessibility, annual events, nearby attractions, and practical travel tips to help you make the most of your visit to this iconic site.

Introduction
History and Cultural Significance
Artistic Features and Symbolism
Visiting Information
Annual Events and Educational Programs
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
The Gandhi Centre: Cultural Programming and Community Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

History and Cultural Significance

The Gandhi Statue at Hobbemaplein is more than a public monument; it is a living tribute to Gandhi’s philosophy and the ideals of non-violence and justice. Its location is symbolic, nestled among internationally recognized institutions focused on peace and conflict resolution. The Netherlands, home to the second-largest Indian diaspora in Europe, honors Gandhi with statues in four cities, over thirty streets named after him, and vibrant community events (Indiaspora). The statue is a focal point for annual celebrations such as Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd) and serves as an anchor for educational programs and intercultural dialogue.

Artistic Features and Symbolism

Created by Karel Gomes, the statue depicts Gandhi during the historic Salt March of 1930, a pivotal act of nonviolent resistance. Portrayed walking barefoot, draped in simple cloth, and holding a staff, the sculpture emphasizes humility, determination, and peaceful protest (bkdh.nl). The bronze medium enhances both the statue’s durability and its expressive details.

At the base, an inscription in Dutch and Hindustani-Surinamese reads:

“I want all cultures of all countries to blow through my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet, by any one.”

This encapsulates Gandhi’s vision of cultural openness, reflecting the multicultural nature of The Hague and the experience of the local Hindustani-Surinamese community (discoverpeace.eu).

Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Hobbemaplein, 2526 JA, The Hague, Netherlands
Public Transport: Easily reached by tram and bus (Mauritskade tram stop, lines 1 and 9)
Nearby Landmarks: Peace Palace, Mauritshuis Museum, Binnenhof, Gandhi Centre
Accessibility: The statue is in a flat, pedestrian-friendly area and is wheelchair accessible.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Entry Fee: Free
Facilities: No dedicated facilities at the statue; restrooms and cafes are available nearby.

Best Time to Visit

Year-Round Access: The statue can be visited at any time, day or night.
Special Occasions: Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd) and the Holi-Phagwa festival offer vibrant community celebrations.
Weather: Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable conditions for outdoor visits.

Annual Events and Educational Programs

The Gandhi Statue serves as a gathering point for significant cultural and educational initiatives:

Gandhi Jayanti (October 2nd): Garlanding ceremonies, singing of bhajans, and speeches promoting peace (Indian Embassy Netherlands).
Special Commemorations: Events such as the “Gandhi March for Non-Violence,” tree plantings, and the creation of the “Gandhi Peace Forest.”
Educational Outreach: Campaigns like “Follow the Mahatma” involve students in discussions about non-violence and peace, using the statue as a focal point.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

The Hague offers a wealth of historical and cultural sites within easy reach of the Gandhi Statue:

Peace Palace: Iconic institution hosting the International Court of Justice with guided tours and exhibitions (Destination Abroad).
Mauritshuis Museum: Showcasing masterpieces like Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”
Binnenhof: The seat of the Dutch Parliament, open for guided tours.
Clingendael Park and Japanese Garden: Scenic spots for relaxation and reflection.
National Hindustani Immigration Monument: Adjacent to the Gandhi Statue, commemorating the Hindustani community’s migration.
Dining and Shopping: Numerous multicultural restaurants, cafes, and markets are within walking distance, reflecting The Hague’s diverse culinary scene.

Travel Tips:
The city is compact and walkable, with an excellent tram and bus network. Bike rentals and day passes for public transport are widely available. For the best experience, combine your visit to the statue with tours of other historical sites and check The Gandhi Centre’s event calendar for cultural programming (Destination Abroad; Danny CPH).

The Gandhi Centre: Cultural Programming and Community Engagement

Located near the statue, the Gandhi Centre is a hub for cultural exchange and education. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission, the Centre offers:

Workshops: Yoga, classical Indian dance, music, and language classes.
Cultural Events: Gandhi Jayanti, Diwali, Holi, International Day of Nonviolence.
Educational Initiatives: School and university collaborations, lectures, and youth forums.
Community Dialogues: “Cirkelgesprekken” and support groups for newcomers.
Accessibility: The Centre is wheelchair accessible and hosts events in multiple languages (indianembassy.nl).

For more details on programs and volunteering, consult the official Gandhi Centre website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Gandhi statue?
A: The statue is accessible 24/7, all year round.

Q: Is there an entrance fee to visit the Gandhi statue?
A: No, visiting the statue is free.

Q: How do I reach the Gandhi statue?
A: Nearest tram stop is “Mauritskade” (lines 1 and 9), and the site is accessible by bike or on foot.

Q: Is the statue wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the statue is in a flat, easily accessible public square.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are offered for nearby attractions; the statue itself is often included in city walking tours.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Year-round is suitable, but visiting during annual events like Gandhi Jayanti provides a richer cultural experience.

Visuals and Media Recommendations

For an engaging visitor experience, use high-quality images with descriptive alt text such as “Gandhi Statue at Hobbemaplein, The Hague” or “Peace Palace The Hague historical site.” Interactive maps and links to virtual tours further enhance accessibility and SEO.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Gandhi Statue in The Hague is a profound symbol of peace, nonviolence, and intercultural understanding, resonating deeply with both locals and visitors. Its strategic location among The Hague’s historical sites, alongside the vibrant programming of the Gandhi Centre, makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in the city’s rich cultural landscape.

To make the most of your visit:

Attend annual commemorations and cultural events.
Explore nearby attractions for a complete experience of The Hague.
Use the Audiala app for event updates and travel tips.
Reflect on Gandhi’s enduring message of peace in the heart of a city dedicated to justice.

For more information and planning resources, refer to the official websites linked below and follow us on social media for the latest updates.