Museum Bredius

Introduction

Museum Bredius, located in the heart of The Hague, is an exceptional destination for anyone interested in Dutch Golden Age art and the legacy of art historian Dr. Abraham Bredius (1855–1946). Housed in an elegant 18th-century townhouse overlooking the Hofvijver, this museum combines an outstanding collection of 17th-century Dutch paintings, drawings, prints, and decorative arts with the ambiance of a historic patrician residence. The museum’s proximity to prominent sites like the Mauritshuis and the Binnenhof makes it an essential stop on any cultural itinerary in The Hague (Museum Bredius official site).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed Mondays and on public holidays
• Check the official website for any seasonal or event-related changes.

Admission Fees:

• Adults: €8.50
• Groups (10+): €7.00 per person
• Students (with valid ID): €4.50
• Youth (under 19): Free
• Museumkaart, Rembrandtpas, and ICOM card holders: Free
• Guided tours: €70 per group (excluding admission)
• Tickets can be purchased at the door or online; advance booking is recommended for groups (European Traveler).

Location and Getting There

Address:
Lange Vijverberg 14, 2513 AC The Hague, Netherlands

By Public Transport:

• Tram lines 1, 9, and 17 stop at nearby stations (e.g., Buitenhof, Kneuterdijk).
• The Hague Central Station is a 12–15 minute walk.
• From the Kunstmuseum, use tram 17 or buses 24 and 28 (European Traveler).

By Car:

• Paid parking is available within 50 meters of the museum on Lange Vijverberg.
• Public parking garages at Spui and Grote Markt are nearby (Museum Bredius official site).

On Foot:

• The museum is centrally located and easily reached from the Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, Escher in Het Paleis, and other historical sites.

Accessibility and Facilities

Accessibility:

• The ground floor is generally accessible, but as the building is historic, upper floors may present challenges for those with limited mobility.
• Contact the museum in advance to inquire about elevator access or specific needs (Museum Bredius official site).

Facilities:

• Cloakroom for coats and bags (large bags/suitcases not allowed in galleries)
• Clean restrooms
• Gift shop with art books, postcards, and souvenirs (QueLeParece)
• Period rooms can be reserved for private events (QueLeParece)
• Some rooms allow visitors to sit on period furniture, enhancing the home-like atmosphere (European Traveler)
• No onsite café, but numerous dining options are nearby at Plein and Buitenhof.

Visitor Support:

• Labels in Dutch and English; audio guides available and recommended (33Travels)
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff (WhichMuseum)

Abraham Bredius and the Museum’s Foundation

Dr. Abraham Bredius was a renowned Dutch art historian and director of the Mauritshuis. He was instrumental in cataloguing and authenticating works by Rembrandt and his contemporaries. Bredius’s passion for collecting led him to assemble an impressive private collection of paintings, drawings, silver, and porcelain, much of which is now displayed at Museum Bredius (Apollo Magazine).

In 1922, Bredius left his house and collection to the city of The Hague, stipulating that the museum be created to make his collection accessible. After periods of closure and relocation due to funding and logistical challenges, the museum reopened in 1990 at its current location, an 18th-century mansion built by Pieter de Swart (Museum Bredius history).

The Collection and Its Significance

Museum Bredius’s collection features over 200 works by 17th-century Dutch masters, including:

• Rembrandt (and his circle): Paintings, drawings, and etchings reflecting Bredius’s expertise
• Jan Steen: Nine paintings, including rare narrative works such as “Mocking of Ceres”
• Aert van der Neer, Meindert Hobbema, Adriaen van Ostade, Aelbert Cuyp, Matthias Stomer: Landscapes, genre scenes, and rare pieces unique to Dutch public collections
• Perspective box by Samuel van Hoogstraten (the only one of its kind in the Netherlands) (Museum Bredius Exhibitions)
• Decorative arts: Amsterdam silver (17th–19th centuries), Chinese porcelain, Meissen, and Delftware
• Period furnishings: Restored 18th-century interiors in Louis XV style

The museum is committed to research and conservation, with recent discoveries such as previously unattributed Rembrandts, and participation in international exhibitions (e.g., “Old Masters from Kyiv in The Hague” – Den Haag Events).

Exhibitions and Events

Museum Bredius hosts rotating exhibitions that spotlight Dutch Golden Age themes, printmaking, and cross-cultural collaborations. Notable past events include:

• “Linking Pieces”: Focused on paintings historically separated and later reunited
• “Between the Lines”: Jointly curated with Leiden University, exploring graphic arts traditions
• International exchanges: Featuring works from the Khanenko Museum in Kyiv (Den Haag Events)

The museum also participates in citywide cultural events such as Museum Night The Hague.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itinerary

Museum Bredius is ideally situated for a day of cultural exploration. Consider visiting:

• Mauritshuis: Directly across the street, home to Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and Rembrandt’s “The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp”
• Binnenhof: Historic seat of Dutch government
• Escher in Het Paleis: Museum dedicated to graphic artist M.C. Escher
• Haags Historisch Museum: Chronicles the city’s history
• Hofvijver Lake: Picturesque spot for a stroll

Dining options abound at nearby Plein and Buitenhof squares.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Museum Bredius’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–17:00; closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets are available at the entrance or online via the official website.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: The ground floor is accessible; upper floors may be challenging. Contact the museum in advance for assistance.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, for €70 per group (excluding entry). Advance booking is advised.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Non-flash photography is generally allowed; check with staff for details.

Q: How long should I plan to visit?
A: Most visitors spend 1 to 1.5 hours at the museum (33Travels).

Plan Your Visit

• Address: Lange Vijverberg 14, 2513 AC The Hague, Netherlands
• Phone: +31-70-3620729
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://museumbredius.nl/en/

For up-to-date information on exhibitions, tickets, and special events, always check the official Museum Bredius website.

Enhance Your Experience

• Download the Audiala app for interactive audio guides and virtual tours
• Follow Museum Bredius on social media for news on exhibitions and events
• Explore related articles on The Hague’s museums and history