Mauritshuis Visitors’ Centre
Make the most of your visit to the fortified city of Willemstad by looking up the listed building Mauritshuis. This former prince’s residence contains 400 years of history, from hunting lodge to city hall. Free entry and the starting point for exploring the Zuiderwaterlinie.
Show all 6 photos
A visit to the lovely Willemstad is actually only complete with a visit to the museum in the Mauritshuis Visitors’ Centre. Built over 400 years ago on commission from Prince Maurits, here you will learn all about the remarkable history of this fortified town located on the Hollands Diep river. Having functioned as country house, hunting lodge, governor's residence, military hospital, military police barracks and city hall, since 2021 the building has served as a historic information centre, a local history museum and a venue for weddings and meetings. In the words of an enthusiastic visitor: “A magnificent building with a rich history. Beautiful and interesting place. Be sure to visit!”
- Former royal country residence and hunting lodge;
- Free entry;
- Zuiderwaterlinie Visitors’ Centre.
Discover Willemstad’s turbulent history
In 1623, the son of William of Orange com…
A visit to the lovely Willemstad is actually only complete with a visit to the museum in the Mauritshuis Visitors’ Centre. Built over 400 years ago on commission from Prince Maurits, here you will learn all about the remarkable history of this fortified town located on the Hollands Diep river. Having functioned as country house, hunting lodge, governor's residence, military hospital, military police barracks and city hall, since 2021 the building has served as a historic information centre, a local history museum and a venue for weddings and meetings. In the words of an enthusiastic visitor: “A magnificent building with a rich history. Beautiful and interesting place. Be sure to visit!”
- Former royal country residence and hunting lodge;
- Free entry;
- Zuiderwaterlinie Visitors’ Centre.
Discover Willemstad’s turbulent history
In 1623, the son of William of Orange commissioned his “Prinsenhof” or Prince's Residence to be built here. After Prince Maurits’ death (not even two years later), the governor of Willemstad resided in the building, which was only given the name “Mauritshuis” in 1973, as a tribute to the prince. Now the beautiful, romantic building aids in teaching you everything about the remarkable history of this fortified city. Visit the museum and discover, for example, how a small number of local carpenters were able to stop thousands of French soldiers, although the French army did manage to severely damage the building. Or learn about the oldest, longest and most frequently used water defence line in the Netherlands: the Zuiderwaterlinie. This is a unique chain of historic fortified cities and their surroundings, linked by that for which the Dutch are famous worldwide: their battle against water.
A tip for your visit: come taste the friendly atmosphere! Now that the building has been in the hands of the municipality for about 60 years, it has been tastefully and thoroughly restored. It has become one of the most beautiful centres in Willemstad, and is also the perfect monumental home base for a cycle or walking tour through the polder landscape – although Willemstad itself has beautiful, picturesque narrow streets, very hospitable catering establishments and possibly the best summer terraces in West Brabant ...
This is how to reach Mauritshuis Visitors’ Centre
Openingtimes
- Every monday closed
- Every tuesday from 10:00 to 17:00
- Every wednesday from 10:00 to 17:00
- Every thursday from 10:00 to 17:00
- Every friday from 10:00 to 17:00
- Every saturday from 11:00 to 17:00
- Every sunday from 11:00 to 17:00
- Note: opening times may be different during public holidays
Prices
- Free