Out and about in the Netherlands
Published June 29, 2025
I've just returned from a couple of days in the Netherlands, driving around that bit between Amsterdam and The Hague.
Unfortunately we only had limited time in each area we visited, which meant we didn't have time to go to some of the major attractions like the Rikjsmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, so they're going to have to wait for a future return visit. But, we did manage to fit in plenty of other fun stuff, including a few illustration related places that I thought might be of interest to people that are interested in illustration related things.
Amsterdam
I've been to Amsterdam a couple of times previously, but I don't really remember much of what I got up to, with the exception of seeing The Nightwatch at the Rikjsmuseum, which is pretty, pretty memorable, whatever state you happen to be in.
I also remember, the last time I was here I was really hoping to get to the Van Gogh Museum but it was closed for refurbishment, so I was hoping to make it happen this time round, but the timing just didn't work out.
Amsterdam is also home to Blender, my favourite bit of software at the moment – free, open-source 3D software, what's not to love. Every year they hold the Blender Conference in the city, so hopefully in the next year or two I'll be able to get back to attend.
Royal Palace
Once you've seen one historical palace you've kind of seen them all, although this one is very interesting for the fact that it's still actually in use.
There are some amazing sculptures and paintings to be found in the rooms you're able to explore.
Anne Frank House
I've been previously, but from what I remember it's changed massively since my last visit, with a new entrance, facilities and audio tour. It only takes around an hour to get around and it's well worth it to see the secret annexe where Anne and her family hid for almost two years during the Nazi occupation. Incredible, unbelievable stuff. Unfortunately there are no photos allowed though, so no pictures for this bit.
The Hague
All I knew about The Hague before visiting was that it's home to the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and the ICC (International Criminal Court). After visiting I can say that it was probably my favourite of the three cities we visited.
Very clean, and maybe it's generally pretty quiet – I wouldn't know, because at the time we visited it had a huge police and military presence in and around the city, which also probably made getting around a bit more complicated than usual, with frequent road closures and roadblocks for passing motorcades.
Escher in the Palace
This was such a great find, I personally loved it. There's an amazing range of work on display, mainly from Escher obviously, but also including a few related artists.
And the building itself is great, although it's a shame all the original furniture has been cleared out, it would have been a grand old place in its heyday. Even the chandeliers I'm guessing aren't the originals (a skull and cross bones or giant bomb, not terribly regal).
Children's Book Museum
Another accidental find on the day, which meant it was actually closed that day and we had to come back another time. But we were so glad we did.
The bottom floor gives young visitors the chance to create their own character as they go around, completing games with their wristband to unlock new items, backgrounds, etc.
It's also currently home to an exhibit on the Dutch author Annie M G Schmidt which has some fantastic interactive set pieces, a lot of which were available in English as well as Dutch, meaning we could join in too.
The top floor is given over to younger kids and picture books with a wide open floor and installations based on a range of different books, some I've heard of (The Very Hungry Caterpiller, Miffy), a lot of which I hadn't (Kikker, Vos en Haas). My 2 year old and I could have spent a lot, lot longer there exploring what was on offer, but unfortunately we couldn't stay too long.
The museum shop had had some great gifts, but unfortunately only a very small selection of the books on offer were available in English language versions. If anyone knows where you can get an English language copy of Vos en Haas, please let me know I've searched online but all I can find is the Dutch version, and I'd really like to give it a read.
The Peace Palace
The only UN building that's not in New York.
As it's a working court we weren't able to take a tour while we were there, but even from the outside it's an impressive place.
Haarlam
A small and intimate feeling city just outside Amsterdam. It reminded me of somewhere like York.
Sparks at Phil Haarlam
By complete accident I discovered that at the same time we were going to be in the Netherlands, one of my all-time favourite bands, Sparks, were playing at the Phil in Haarlam the night before we were due to leave.
You simply can't ignore a stroke of serendipity like that.
