Tucked in the dunes

The museum Beelden aan Zee is located in one of the busiest seaside resorts in the country, less than 500 meters south of the famous Kurhaus. Yet, once inside the building, the hustle and bustle of the outside world melts away. Tucked in the dunes, the museum provides for a serene experience.

The outside of the building only hints to the vastness and diversity of sculpture inside. In the summer, the sculpture terraces and patios are perfect for a stroll while the sunny terrace provides a respite from the busy boulevard dynamics. In the winter, the beach becomes a stark natural landscape and Scheveningen is overtaken by a completely different atmosphere. In the Museum Café, the menu reflects these seasonal changes.

Wim Quist

Museum Beelden aan Zee was designed by Dutch architect Wim Quist. The building sits below the historic Von Wied Pavilion, bunkered down in the dunes. It has the basic shape of two large circles. All materials used - concrete, Italian granite, beech wood and American pine - have been selected for their sand color that merges perfectly with its surroundings.

Unrestricted light and open spaces are among the many unique characteristics of the museum. Facing away from the sea, both halves of the museum are connected by De Transparant, a glass wall designed by architect Wim Quist and graphic designer Reynoud Homan. The wall features poems by sixteen renowned Dutch and Belgian poets - including Claus, Haasse, Kopland, Mulisch, Mutsaers and Wolkers - who were inspired by the building, the collection and the location of the museum Beelden aan Zee.