Explore the Dutch House of Representatives and gain insight into the Dutch political system. Learn about the history of the House and the ongoing renovation of the ‘Binnenhof’, the medieval complex that houses the parliament buildings.
Our guide will lead you through the temporary home of the Dutch House of Representatives, explaining its functioning, detailing the Dutch political system, and highlighting architectural features of the ‘modern’ (1970s) building. Discover the reasons behind the presence or absence of coat of arms on seats within the House of Representatives, and hear both historical anecdotes and current developments that shape political life in The Hague. Feel free to ask any questions during the tour to deepen your understanding.
Practical Information
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Start location: The guided tour to the House of Representatives starts in front of the visitors entrance to the Dutch House of Representatives, at Prinses Irenepad 1, 2595 BG The Hague.
- Maximum number of participants: 30 people
- This guided walk is English-spoken.
- A Dutch-spoken tour is offered as well (Rondleiding Tweede Kamer). More information about our Dutch-spoken guided tours and walks can be found here.
- A ticket for the guided tour to the Dutch House of Representatives costs € 6,-
Register online & ID
Please note: In addition to a purchased ticket, all visitors planning to join the tour of the House of Representatives must register online prior to their visit (excluding Saturdays) and must carry valid identification with them. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, an ID card from an EU member state, or a driver’s licence from an EU member state. Without registration and a valid ID you will not be granted access to the House of Representatives. Upon arrival at the entrance, visitors must undergo a security scan, including their coat and bag.
About the Binnenhof
The Binnenhof (Inner Court) is a square located in the heart of The Hague city centre. In the middle of the square you find the Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) and the square is lined by parliament buildings and government buildings. The square forms the very heart of Dutch government.
Renovation
Due to ongoing renovations, access to the Binnenhof is currently restricted, and visitors are unable to explore the inner court. All governmental functions have been temporarily relocated elsewhere in The Hague.
Political centre of The Hague
Before the renovation, the Binnenhof was where the House of Representatives met, where the Prime Minister worked and where the Ministers held their weekly consultations. Once a year, the Senate and the House of Representatives met in the Ridderzaal in a Joint Session of the States General. This session takes place on the third Tuesday of September, i.e. Prinsjesdag (Prince’s Day). It’s also known as ‘Budget Day’, on which day the Dutch head of state presents the government’s plans for the coming year in the ‘King’s Speech’.
Medieval buildings
The oldest buildings at the Binnenhof were built in the early 13th century and have witnessed quite a few residents come and go. From counts, Stadtholders and Louis Napoleon to the Reichskommissar Seyss-Inquart during the German occupation of the Netherlands.