Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort

About the museum

Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort is an icon in The Hague, beautifully located on the Hofvijver. In the 13th century, this building formed the imposing gateway to the Binnenhof. Several centuries later, it became a prison and courthouse of the powerful Court of Holland. Here, suspected criminals awaited trial and defaulters were locked up. Today, Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort tells the exciting story of crime and punishment in times gone by.

Discover how people used to be locked up, tried and punished

Here you can see and experience how people were locked up, tried and punished in the old days. Which cells were they kept in? Was there a difference between poor and rich prisoners? Where were they sentenced? And what punishments were given? You will hear all about it on a tour with our guide. Some important moments in Dutch history took place here, such as the murder of the De Witt brothers. In the museum you can also see the national collection of torture and punishment equipment.