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Museums #7 in The Hague

Museum Voorlinden

4.6 · 8,067 reviews
A quiet, light-filled space for contemplation
Museum Voorlinden, Buurtweg 90, 2244 AG Wassenaar, Netherlands
Interesting facts
1

The museum roof contains 113,000 individually cut, angled glass tiles to filter and diffuse natural sunlight.

2

Leandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool' consists of a thin layer of water suspended over a sheet of transparent glass, creating the optical illusion of being submerged.

3

The museum estate is situated on a protected dune landscape that dates back to the 17th century.

4

Ron Mueck's hyper-realistic sculpture 'Couple' is a long-standing fixture that anchors the permanent collection.

5

The estate includes an 18th-century English-style landscape garden designed by Zocher.

Overview

Museum Voorlinden is a privately owned museum of modern and contemporary art located on the historic Voorlinden estate in Wassenaar. The museum building, designed by Kraaijvanger Architects, is engineered with a glass roof that utilizes daylight to illuminate artworks without artificial intervention. It houses the extensive collection of Joop van Caldenborgh, focusing on conceptual art, minimalism, and realism. The site features the famous 'Swimming Pool' installation by Leandro Erlich, which allows visitors to stand beneath the water's surface. The surrounding grounds were landscaped by Piet Oudolf and include expansive lawns, forests, and dune vegetation. Rotating exhibitions are complemented by a selection of permanent works displayed in dedicated galleries. The museum emphasizes a slow-viewing experience, reflected in the spacious layout of its exhibition halls. The grounds also incorporate the historical 1912 manor house and a restored orangery.

Photo spot

The interior of the 'Swimming Pool' installation or the geometric pathways within the Oudolf-designed gardens.

Insider tips

Reserve your tickets online in advance to ensure entry, as daily visitor numbers are capped.

Allow extra time to wander through the expansive gardens, as they are as much a part of the museum experience as the galleries.

Wear comfortable footwear suitable for walking on gravel paths and garden terrain.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk to the museum from central The Hague or the nearest bus stop; the estate entrance is a significant distance from public transit drop-off points.

Good to know

Open daily throughout the year, including public holidays.

Etiquette

Photography is generally permitted, but flash, tripods, and selfie sticks are strictly prohibited to protect the artwork.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings or late afternoons during the shoulder season (spring or autumn) to avoid weekend crowds.
Address
Museum Voorlinden, Buurtweg 90, 2244 AG Wassenaar, Netherlands
52.119, 4.347
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsLeandro Erlich's 'Swimming Pool' and Ron Mueck's 'Couple'
Architectural featureDaylight-diffusing glass roof system

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings or late afternoons during the shoulder season (spring or autumn) to avoid weekend crowds..

The interior of the 'Swimming Pool' installation or the geometric pathways within the Oudolf-designed gardens.

Close by you'll find Louwman Museum, Meijendel, Madurodam.