De Passage Shopping Arcade, Hague

De Passage is a covered shopping arcade, linking Spuistraat, Venestraat, and Buitenhof streets. Opened in 1885, it is the oldest shopping arcade in the Netherlands and a designated national monument. Its construction reflects a late 19th-century trend of creating enclosed retail passages, offering a sheltered environment for shopping while connecting key streets in the city center.

The arcade is defined by its glass-covered roof and decorative iron framework, which allow natural light to fill the space. The original section retains tiled floors, detailed façades, and large display windows, while the layout guides visitors through a series of connected corridors rather than a single straight passage. The structure was restored in the early 21st century.

A newer extension, often referred to as the New Passage, continues the route toward the main shopping streets. While more modern in design, it maintains the concept of a covered arcade, with a higher and more open glass ceiling. Today, De Passage houses a mix of boutiques, specialty stores, and cafés, with a focus on smaller, independent businesses alongside selected international brands.