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Discover the future of stolen or looted art at Mauritshuis museum in The Hague. The tour has been created exclusively for National Geographic to explore the ethical dimensions that shape the destiny of cultural treasures

A curator of the Mauritshuis museum, a specialist on the subject Stolen Art, has carefully developed this tour

The Mauritshuis is home to many of the best Dutch paintings from the time of Rembrandt and Vermeer and it's the home of the famous painting the Girl with the Pearl Earring

Discover artworks from colonial times, the French Revolution, and World War II

Trace back the origins of specific artwork, gaining a deeper understanding of their complex provenance and historical significance

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Immerse yourself in the destinations and attractions you explore through exclusive access and hands-on experiences based on National Geographic’s existing relationships around the globe.

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Discover the world through the lens of National Geographic as National Geographic-trained guides and local experts share their knowledge and passion of the places and locations you visit.

Give back

Experience meaningful explorations with a commitment to sustainable tourism, with all tours meeting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and a portion of proceeds dedicated to fund research.

Local immersion

Become inspired to care about the planet and its people by gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and inhabitants of the places you visit through interaction and insights into their daily lives.

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Be a part of the story of each destination you visit through the unparalleled content and research from National Geographic you’ll be exposed to, making you reflect on different current realities.

What to expect

Ever more relevant to museums and galleries around the world, the issue of the provenance of art and artefacts is a fascinating one. Discover the collections of the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague through the lens of stolen art. The Mauritshuis is celebrated for its impressive Flemish art and is home to the famous painting 'The Girl with the Pearl Earring' by Vermeer. Begin the visit with an exclusive introduction to the topic of stolen or looted art, which will take place in the little-known Prince William V Gallery. Your tour is exclusively designed for National Geographic and created by a museum curator with a specialisation in the subject of stolen art.Focusing on items looted at various points in history, your curator-guide will tell the story behind each object, demonstrating that looted or stolen art can maintain relevance in Western museums even after repatriation. You’ll see artworks across three eras: Hanneman's portrait references the colonial past, Rembrandt's self-portrait resonates with the French Revolution, and Berchem's 'Allegory of Summer' reflects World War II challenges.You'll discover current thinking on the ethics of preservation, ownership rights, and the quest for justice in the world of art, inviting reflection on how we navigate the legacy of looted art in the future — a relevant question that museums all over the world are currently grappling with. There will be a refreshment break and free time to explore the museum on your own after the tour.

Important to know