The Prison Gate Museum
Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort

Discover how Dutch prisoners used to live while awaiting trial at this national museum. See a historical prison and court house and a collections of grim torture instruments.

• Crime and Punishment: The Hague edition! This museum might be situated on the beautiful Hofvijer (court pond in English), but its buildings have a harsh history. Here the mighty Hof van Holland held its former prison and courthouse. The Prison Gate can be viewed in a self-guided tour with an interactive audio guide. Discover how the locked up lived, what punishments were given to the guilty, and even see a guillotine. Watch your head!
• Discover the stories of historical prisoners who made it behind the gates, which ones managed to escape, and which ones faced brutal ends. Drink till you die? One of the many stories told is of Catharina le Chasseur, a prisoner who was forced to drink herself to death. Gulp...too soon?
• Fun for the kids: Bring the bigger kids along for a fun filled day of learning! They get a special audio tour and an interactive game where they take on the role of a judge in medieval times. The kids will meet the four main characters of the Prison Gate: the prisoner, the executioner, the judge, and the jailer - who hosts the performance. Warning: The Prison Gate may not be suitable for kids under 8 years-old.**