Today we spent the day in the Hague – or den Haag. It is the seat of the Dutch parliament. It is also the city where the king does his work, in the Noordeinde Palace (16th century). It is the home of the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.

But it is also home to the M.C. Escher Museum, located in the former palace of the queen: the Lange Voorhout Palace.

This museum also had a kind of scavenger hunt for children. It was really well done. They asked you to take pictures of certain pieces of artwork and then you could see the inspiration or the study from it in another piece elsewhere in the museum. See the study of the plants that was later used in the “Waterfall”? And look closely at the artwork that the man is studying!

study for “Waterfall”

“Waterfall”

As you move along the three floors of the museum, the optical illusions increase. Most of them are Escher’s, but there are a few others, too.

If you make it to the museum, be sure to stop and look at this piece (sorry I don’t know who did it – and that it’s crooked!):

Doesn’t look like much, right? Stare at it straight on, and then sway a little from side to side. After you experience the movement in the piece, move toward the fireplace while still keeping a close eye on the artwork. That’s all I’m going to say! We were all shocked by what we saw!!

After experiencing all the fun in the Escher museum, we had lunch and then took a walk through the city to see the parliament buildings.

Is it good for kids?

Hippo (age 4) was probably still too young. Froggy (age 7) might have enjoyed it more toward the beginning of our month, but he was starting to wind down. He did enjoy the optical illusions. And if your kids like scavenger hunts, there is a special guide for them to look and learn as they go.

What about the cost?

Adults cost €9.50. Children ages 7 – 15 are €6.50. Children 6 and under are free. The Museum Card is not accepted here. They do have other discounts, including a family pass (2 adults + 2 children) for €25.50.

Where is it?