Museum in Holland bringing Dutch history to life
Looking for a museum in Holland that is off the beaten tourist track and goes beyond the canals, windmills and tulip fields? Where you can discover the history of the Netherlands? National Museum Paleis Het Loo holds a special place as a museum in Holland. As you move from room to room in the distinctly Dutch 17th century palace, you explore the history of the Netherlands. You see the museum’s collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, Delftware and other objects in the historical context of the people who lived and worked in the palace. This makes Paleis Het Loo a unique museum in Holland that is a must-see during your stay in the Netherlands.
Visit the Paleis Het Loo museum in Holland to journey through Dutch history
From Queen Mary’s bedroom to Queen Wilhelmina’s childhood playroom and from the Paintings Gallery to King-Stadtholder Willem III’s bedroom, every room and space in Paleis Het Loo gives you insight into the history of the Netherlands and the Dutch royal family. The museum’s exhibitions also centre on a specific theme that brings Dutch history and culture to life. The permanent exhibition ‘The House of Orange’ tells the story of the Dutch royal family and the history of the Netherlands in six periods.
As a major museum in Holland, Paleis Het Loo regularly presents temporary exhibitions that explore Dutch history from a unique angle.
Leading Dutch museum showcasing a unique collection
After serving as a residence for members of the Dutch royal family until 1975, Paleis Het Loo becomes a museum in 1984 with the official name National Museum Paleis Het Loo. With a collection of more than 160,000 objects, Paleis Het Loo is the museum in Holland that tells the story of the nation.
What makes National Museum Paleis Het Loo so unique as a museum in Holland is the wide diversity of its collection. Encompassing everything from paintings to furniture and from costumes to plants in the garden, it’s as varied as it is impressive. The combined collection of this museum in Holland provides a compelling overview of the Netherlands and the Dutch royal family through the centuries.
From royal residence to important museum in Holland
The collection comes about when Paleis Het Loo becomes a museum in the Netherlands. Much of the contents of the palace and service buildings become part of the Royal Collection of the Netherlands at that time. New acquisitions and pieces on long-term loan are added to the collection over the decades. You see masterpieces from the period of King-Stadtholder William III and Queen Mary II. Spectacular 17th century Delftware flower pagodas, a gilded silver porridge bowl and the painting Vivat Oraenge by Jan Davidsz all reflect Dutch history. The collection of carriages and automobiles and historical plants brings the history of a country and family to life. No other museum in Holland has such a varied and extensive collection focussing on the history of the Dutch nation.
