The building was the former home of Queen Mother Emma, the wife of King William III, and functioned as a winter palace from 1901 until her death in 1934.
Hans van Bentem’s custom chandeliers were added to the palace in 2008 to complement the surrealist nature of Escher's work.
The museum floor patterns were designed to echo Escher's interest in tessellation and repeating geometric shapes.
The collection contains the 7-meter-long 'Metamorphosis III,' a mural-sized woodcut print.
Many pieces in the collection demonstrate the 'impossible object' concept, such as the Penrose triangle and the infinite staircase.
Escher in the Palace is a permanent exhibition housed in the former Winter Palace of Queen Mother Emma of the Netherlands. The museum showcases the graphic works of M.C. Escher, focusing on his mathematical precision and paradoxical perspective illustrations. Visitors can explore the interplay between architecture and art across three floors of the historic 18th-century residence. The collection includes famous prints such as 'Day and Night' and 'Waterfall,' alongside lesser-known early works. Unique chandeliers designed by Rotterdam artist Hans van Bentem, shaped like sharks and skulls, contrast with the building's royal heritage. The museum emphasizes the artist's ability to manipulate spatial geometry and optical illusions. Audio guides are provided to explain the complex narratives behind individual pieces. The site maintains original architectural elements from the royal period alongside modern display installations.
The forced perspective room on the top floor provides a unique, interactive photo opportunity.
Use the provided audio guide to fully grasp the mathematical concepts behind Escher's complex optical illusions.
Take time to notice the preserved royal rooms on the ground floor, which retain much of the original historic interior design.
Visit the 'Escher Room' on the top floor where forced perspective allows visitors to appear to change size dramatically.
Rushing through the exhibits; the intricate details in Escher's prints require focused observation to appreciate the mathematical precision.
Closed on Mondays.
