The Escher Museum has two really big draws. Not only is it an exciting exploration of the mind-bending work of artist M.C. Escher, but it’s also housed inside the 18th-century Winter Palace of a former Queen of the Netherlands.
Escher was a graphic artist known in particular for the optical illusions in his work. The museum is a celebration of his technical and mathematical brilliance, and showcases his woodcuts alongside early works such as his Italian landscapes.
If you are not familiar with the artist and his oeuvre, acquaint yourself by watching the museum’s introductory video. Then explore the exhibition spaces.
Study Escher's eye-catching prints, of which there are more than 150 in the museum. They include Day and Night which appears to be a flock of birds morphing into the Dutch landscape. Look at Metamorphosis III, an exceptional 23-foot (7-metre) long woodcut print.
Step into a world of optical illusions on the second floor of the museum, which is dedicated to Escher’s fascination with perspective. Walk across the interactive floor and watch the hypnotic projections change with each step you take. Go into the Escher Room, where nothing is as it seems.
When you walk into the palace’s rooms, look up at their ceilings. Each one is decorated with a stunning-looking chandelier that was inspired by Escher’s work.
Although the chandeliers are modern, the building has retained much of its elegant furnishing from the early 20th century, including an opulent staircase. Information panels in the rooms on the first and second floors provide insights into how royalty lived and worked in this beautiful palace.
The Escher Museum is less than 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) from the central train station in The Hague. Buses and trams from there stop near the cultural attraction. There is limited car parking in the vicinity. Give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the museum, which is open every day except Mondays. Admission charges apply, with discounts for children aged between 7 and 15 years. Those under the age of 6 get in for free.
