Het Plein (Square), Hague

The square serves as one of the main open spaces in the center of The Hague. The site began as a garden belonging to the Inner Court, where vegetables were grown for the household of the Counts of Holland. In 1632, it was formally redesigned into a square, inspired by the layout of Square of the Vosges in Paris. Instead of a private, functional garden, the space became a planned urban square suited to a growing administrative center.

At its core stands an equestrian statue of William II of the Netherlands, installed in 1924. William II was a Dutch king associated with constitutional reform; in 1848, he accepted changes that limited royal power and strengthened parliamentary governance.

Toward the north-west corner of the square, across the street, is the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, a former 17th-century residence now housing Dutch Golden Age paintings. Standing with the Mauritshuis in front of you, the large building to your right is “De Witte Literary Society”, a historic private club tied to the city’s political and social circles. Continuing further right along the same edge are buildings used by the Dutch Parliament, including offices of the House of Representatives.

During the day, the square functions as a transition area between government buildings and commercial streets. In warmer months, outdoor terraces extend across much of the square, and temporary setups or public events are occasionally held, supported by its central location and proximity to the Dutch Parliament.