PRISON GATE MUSEUM

The Prison Gate Museum in The Hague, Netherlands is a fascinating attraction which promises to educate you about Dutch history. This place was once an actual prison where tales of crimes and punishments send shivers down the spines. Significant events such as the murder of the De Witt brothers and the imprisonment of Abraham de Wicquefort took place at this prison. The museum once served as the main gate of the Counts of Holland castle.

As you discover the blood-stained walls and the torture devices at the museum today, you understand how the definition of crime and justice has significantly changed. You will find a torture chamber on the first floor where torture devices used in the past are arranged. You can get immersive audio guides at the museum which narrate the stories from the point of view of the jailer, the prisoner, the judge, and the executioner.

Highlights

• Participate in the guided tour of the Prison Gate Museum and learn about the justice system that prevailed in the bygone era.
• Hear the story of punishments and crimes to discover the blood-churning stories of the ancient prison.
• Head to the torture chamber where you will find an extensive collection of gruesome devices used to punish the criminals and make them surrender.
• Learn about the details of major events in Dutch history like the murder of the brothers De Witt in 1672 with the help of the documents in the museum.
• Make the Prison Gate Museum a part of your cycling tour across The Hague and catch a glimpse of the Dutch prison stories of the 15th to 19th century.

How To Reach

By Car: Prison Gate Museum is approximately 3 km from The Hague City Centre via S100 route. It takes around 10 minutes to reach the destination.

By Tram: Take tram line 15 or 17 from your nearest station and deboard at the Hague Central Station. It is 10 minutes’ walking distance from there.

By Bus: Take bus number 22 from the Central Station and then get down at 's-Gravenhage, Kneuterdijk. Once you get down, you can enjoy a short 3 minute walk, covering 240 metres to reach the museum.

By Foot: Prison Gate Museum is 1.6 km from the Hague Central Station. It will take approximately 22 minutes to reach the destination.

Best Time To Visit

The Prison Gate Museum is open to the public throughout the year. Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowd and get an immersive experience of the museum. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to get an interrupted view of the exhibits.

Other Essential Information

• Confirm the museum’s hours of operation before your visit, as they may vary throughout the year.
• Purchase tickets online, if possible, to avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Consider joining a guided tour for a more comprehensive understanding of the museum’s history and exhibits.
• Follow museum etiquette and museum guideines in the more sombre areas, such as the torture chambers.
• Prepare for a lot of walking to explore the various levels of this historic building.
• Adhere to any rules regarding photography to preserve the museum’s atmosphere and respect the historical artefacts.