Gallery Prince Willem V

Gallery Prince Willem V is what you call a hidden gem in The Hague.

Excess

Willem V, Prince of Oranje-Nassau, had this gallery at the Buitenhof specially built in 1774 to present his impressive art collection to the public. Special, because it was the first time that a high-ranking figure made his art collection accessible to 'ordinary' visitors. It became the very first museum in the Netherlands. At that time it was customary to hang the walls packed with paintings, from plinth to ceiling. Symmetry was important, but especially the experience of excess. No spot was left empty.