The Hague Highlights

Duinrell Attraction Park Duinrell Attraction Park offers splashing recreation for the whole family. Hurl yourself down terrifying bobsleigh tracks, spin down the splashing Waterspin and roll along the Frogs' roller coaster. The indoor tropical Tikibad is also an experience in itself. This swirling water world offers splashing Attractions for young and old.

Parliament Buildings and Knights' Hall Throughout the centuries and even today, the Binnenhof has stood at the centre of political life in The Netherlands. The buildings, very interesting in themselves, fascinate because they formed the backdrop against which some of the most important events from Dutch history took (and still are taking) place. Dominating the centre of the Binnenhof was and is the Knights' Hall, built by Count Floris V in the 13th century. The guided tours, preceded by a video presentation about the Binnenhof, take you through the Knights' Hall and the First and Second Chamber of Parliament. Buildings may be closed to the public when special meetings are taking place. Open: Mo - Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Last guided tour starts 3.45 p.m. Closed: Sept. 20 and 21 and public holidays, except Good Friday. Admission: Depending on the programme that can be offered. Children (5-12) and o.a.p. will get discount. Please book in advance.

Gemeentemuseum The Hague Following its extensive renovation, the Gemeentemuseum reopened its doors in 1998, once again revealing the remarkable qualities of the latest creation of architect H.P. Berlage (1863-1934). The museum has been extended with a Fashion Gallery measuring more than 1000 m2, situated below the museum's inner court. The gallery will host temporary exhibitions of the finest developments in national and international fashion. Also new are the 15 cabinets with industrial art from the Near, Middle and Far East at the Industrial Art department which also features glass, Hague silver, Hague china and Delft china. Special attention is devoted to Art Nouveau around 1900 and the fully refurbished period rooms. The Modern Art collection gives a beautiful overview of the developments since 1860, including examples from the Hague School, Van Gogh, Monet and Jongkind. A high point are the Piet Mondrian paintings on show in four halls, including his Victory Boogie Woogie. German expressionism is also represented beautifully with entire rooms devoted to contemporary artists like Constant. The music department hosts traditional European instruments of around 1600 to the present, instruments from different cultures and electronic instruments, mounted in temporary exhibitions. A musical prints cabinets illustrates the musical instruments and their users.

Holland Casino, a great place for a night out Enjoy the stylish setting for the excitement of a game, the excellent service, the culinary specialities of our chef or a delicious drink at one of the bars. There is live entertainment four times per week as well as regular amazing promotions. Holland Casino Scheveningen offers a choice of arrangements for groups from 8 people starting from NLG 17.50 per person, guaranteeing a convivial and exiting evening out. For more information about the various possibilities, contact our Arrangements Department on +31 70 3067712. Holland Casino, a great place for a night out. Further information: Kurhausweg 1, 2587 RT SCHEVENINGEN Tel.: +31 70 3067777, Fax: +31 70 3067888, Internet: www.hollandcasino.nl, E-mail: scheveningen@hollandcasino.nl Open: Mo - Sun 1.30 p.m. - 3 a.m; Jan. 1 4 p.m. - 3 a.m. Closed: May 4 and Dec. 31 Admission: NLG 7.50. All visitors must be 18 or over, be smartly dressed and have valid proof of identification.

Mauritshuis The Royal Painting Cabinet Mauritshuis is housed in one of Holland's most outstanding classicist buildings. Its location next to the Binnenhof on the Hofvijver pond, its intimate character and the exceptional quality of its collection make the Mauritshuis a favourite destination for its many visitors. The Mauritshuis is mostly celebrated for its world famous collection of Dutch masterpieces from the 17th century. Paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Potter, Ruisdael and numerous other masters from the Golden Age form the core of the collection, which also features paintings from the Flemish 16th and 17th century, and works by Rubens, Van Dijck and Jordeans.

Miniature City Madurodam. All of Holland in just one town! Behind two typically Dutch dykes lies the world-famous miniature city Madurodam, a perfect place to get to know all the fascinating aspects of the Netherlands. Here you will find all those famous Dutch feats rebuilt down to the tiniest detail on a scale of 1:25. Windmills are turning, round trip boats are sailing the canals, a fire is extinguished in the harbour, modern trains are running to and from the stations. There is also a great deal to do in winter. But Madurodam is more. At dusk, the town is lit like a fairy-tale by more than 50,000 lights. The two restaurants, the playground, shop and lighthouse picnic area complete the park.

Museon It's incredible the things people have thought, done and are doing, and all the things going on around us, visibly and invisibly. The things we have thought of, thought out and thought beautiful. All of this and much more is now on show at the greatest popular scientific museum in the Netherlands, the Museon in The Hague. It narrates the fascinating story of man and his world in word, photo, film and sound. From communication and computers, distant peoples and cultures, the environment and the development of man, to agricultural tools and rock formations, science and technology, the universe and its planets. The Museon houses permanent and temporary exhibitions that allow visitors to play an active role; the world within easy reach. Children between the ages of 8 and 12 can visit the Work Corner every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon (book in advance), while lectures about a wide variety of subjects are given every Tuesday afternoon.

Museum for Communication (Former PTT Museum) Visit the Museum for Communication for the history of post and telephony and a full overview of the most recent developments. The Museum for Communication is an active museum, making it great fun for children. Also on display are a unique stamp collection and a range of temporary exhibitions. New is the exhibition 'Dear Grandma, dear Sir/Madam', about a letter travelling from A to B. The story of mail in the past and present is set out using a variety of games, presentations and interactive elements.

National Sea Life Scheveningen Discover the world beneath the waves of the North Sea which is brimming with amazing creatures including sharks, wrasses, rays and jellyfish. Walk through the eight-metre long tunnel and experience a sensation of walking on the seabed. Do not miss the underwater observatory and the Tropical Reef Adventure with its wonderful coral reef either.

Films come to life on the giant dome at Omniversum Projected on the impressive 840 m2 giant dome of Omniversum, Omnimax films come to life all around you. Together with the fantastic stereo sound, Omnimax films are a true experience in image and sound! Experience the most wonderful adventures from your seat in Omniversum hall. Omniversum programmes take you to an other world with fascinating stories about mysterious sharks, colossal elephants, a stunning underwater world, all-consuming fires and extreme human feats. Enjoy the large-screen films about nature, culture and science. Following last year's 'facelift' of the foyer and the new coat of varnish on the dome, there is now even more to experience in the reception hall while films are projected even better. In short, a visit to Omniversum is now an even bigger experience.

Panorama Mesdag A fascinating view of the old fishing village of Scheveningen in 1881. The showpiece at the Panorama Mesdag is an enormous cylindershaped painting by H.W. Mesdag, his wife Sientje and the painters Blommers, Breitner and De Bock. Panorama Mesdag is one of the largest and most beautiful panoramas left in the world. As a masterpiece in the tradition of the famous 'Hague School' it survives as a monument of great cultural historical importance. A visit to the splendidly restored Panorama Mesdag is an experience in space and time. Besides an impressive collection of paintings and water colours by Mesdag and his wife, the stunning entry rooms accommodate temporary exhibitions.