This is Mauritshuis, one of the most famous art museums in The Hague. It is small compared to Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam but it has been a home for many Dutch Golden Age paintings for over two hundred years. It is located just off Binnenhof and next to the plein. It was a former house of Count Johan Maurits hence the name Maurits - huis; he was a military commander. The house was so beautiful: grand, with elegant staircases and ornate ceilings. Compared to Rijksmuseum, this museum  feels more intimate, like visiting someone's home and looking at their collectibles. 

The entry way is located underground so after you passed that black gate you'll see a staircase down. If you carry a bulky bag or belonging, they will ask you to store it in the lockers. Some museums have the coin operated lockers, a one euro deposit. After the ticket check, you'll climb some stairs into the main hall of the house. Here are some of my highlights: 

Look at the playful light work! I thought paintings are boring because there's nothing special to this but then you realise this is not a photograph where you can play with the lights. The lighting is made from scratch! 

The two most famous paintings in the house are definitely The Girl with the Pearl Earring and The Anatomy Lesson. Did you know that Vermeer painted an imaginary girl? This girl with the earring doesn't exist! The painting itself is small but you can see how exquisitely painted is the earring. It's shiny! The girl has a mysterious aura within her. I know that there's a novel inspired by this painting but I'd rather make up my own story about this girl; I feel like I'm doing a projection test if I see a painting. Thematic Apperception Test anyone? 

The museum only has two floors of collection room and I suggest you just sit in the middle of the room and be present because you're surrounded by history. It was the best feeling. 

See you on the next Hana trip!