Dr. Anton Philipszaal, Hague

Dr. Anton Philipszaal, Hague

The Dr. Anton Philipszaal in The Hague holds a significant place in the city's cultural landscape due to its unique architecture and historical significance. This concert hall and theater, located on Spuiplein, opened its doors in 1987, coinciding with the inauguration of the nearby Lucent Dance Theater. The architectural minds behind this project were Dick van Mourik and Peter Vermeulen, and the hall can accommodate up to 1800 people.

A pivotal aspect of the Dr. Anton Philipszaal's history is its close association with the Residentie Orchestra. This orchestra, in dire need of a suitable concert hall following the K & W Building fire in 1964, played a vital role as the primary performer and main supporter during the construction of the hall. The orchestra's dedication extended to funding the construction partially through public campaigns and the sale of gramophone records featuring lesser-known Dutch music.

The architects faced significant budgetary constraints while designing both the Dr. Anton Philipszaal and the adjacent Dance Theater. Despite these limitations, they succeeded in creating a building with a unique and representative design. One of the hall's most distinctive features is its main hall, which is visually represented as a 'pink box' from the exterior. This architectural element generated considerable discussion, especially when the original plasterwork deteriorated and was replaced with a bright red color. Encircling this central box, the architects incorporated secondary functions within a dark glass shell, creating a striking contrast in materials and colors.

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Dr. Anton Philipszaal on Map

Sight Name: Dr. Anton Philipszaal
Sight Location: Hague, Netherlands (See walking tours in Hague)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Hague, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Hague

Create Your Own Walk in Hague

Creating your own self-guided walk in Hague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hague's Classic Architectural Jewels

Hague's Classic Architectural Jewels

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Scheveningen Walking Tour

Scheveningen Walking Tour

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Modern as it is, this seaside resort, the most popular in Holland, boasts a great deal of history – stretching all the way back to 1280 – with the locals still...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Hague Introduction Walking Tour

The Hague Introduction Walking Tour

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Little is known about the origin of The Hague as such. What is certain is that it was founded by one of the last counts of the House of Holland, Floris IV, who already owned two residences in the area, but had his eye set on a waterfront property near the pond...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles