Stroom Den Haag: Explore art in The Hague

By Malin Norman | Photos: Stroom Den Haag

Stroom Den Haag is on a mission to support artists, address socially relevant themes, and stimulate the imagination of the public. The art centre has an extensive programme of activities – so that visitors and locals can explore the city of The Hague, through art.

Founded in 1990, Stroom Den Haag serves as a centre of expertise for art and society, and specifically art in public spaces in The Hague. “Together with contemporary artists, we explore what it means to live together, not only with fellow humans, but with all organisms. In our programmes, we foster this great diversity of voices and examine forward-looking societal perspectives, and aim to ignite the public’s curiosity and imagination,” says Alexandra Landré, artistic director.

Jenna Sutela’s first solo exhibition ave bossa, bow ole.

Through its activities, Stroom Den Haag focuses on three areas; stimulating local artists and their practice, addressing socially relevant themes, and actively promoting new artworks and art in public spaces. “We advise on and facilitate art in public spaces, support artists and initiatives in the urban community, and present a programme at our location and throughout the city,” says Landré. “The city offers a unique stage for art. It’s this exchange and connection that strengthens the relationship with our audience and our partners, as well as creating new artworks to meet the world.”

The Sculpture Gallery, Tantratrijn by Rob Birza.

Sensory experiences and experiments

One of Stroom Den Haag’s many praised exhibitions was Finnish artist Jenna Sutela’s first solo exhibition in the Netherlands – ave bossa, bow ole. An immersive environment unfolded as Sutela invited the public to step into a world in which everything is connected; from microscopic life to self-built technologies, from intuition to compost. More than an exhibition, it was a sensory experience and an invitation to look, listen, and feel differently. Sutela has been chosen to participate in The Finish pavilion at Venice Art Biennial this year.

This year, the art centre presents ⌀ [dia] by Ana María Gómez López. Opening on 29 May, her first solo exhibition in the Netherlands focuses on ten self-experiments where tension between control and surrender becomes tangible. “Gómez López uses the body as an instrument through which the world can be explored, questioned, and experienced,” explains Landré. “It’s a sensorial practice where, for instance, she germinates a seed in her eye. Some experiments unfold as works in progress, others remain unresolved.”

Ling Zhi Helicopters by Huang Yong Ping.

Connecting with works of art in the city

The Hague has a rich collection of works of art in public spaces with hundreds of statues, plaques, sculptures and reliefs on display. “The quality and diversity of art here is quite impressive,” reflects the artistic director. She recommends joining one of the tours provided by Stroom Den Haag, which can be downloaded from bkdh.nl/en, to explore the city through art at your own pace.

The Hague is home to a few iconic land art projects such as Celestial Vault, built by artist James Turrell in 1996. The monumental earthwork resembling a large crater celebrates its 30th anniversary, and is well worth a visit. Another enormous work is Ling Zhi Helicopters by the late Chinese-French artist Huang Yong Ping, which looks like three giant mushrooms with helicopter blades. And not too far from there, The Hague is enriched by Michael Rakowitz’ impressive outdoor work Be longing.

During a tour in the city centre, you will learn more about the history of The Hague. Last year, the city welcomed a new monument commemorating the transatlantic history of slavery. The memorial titled Remember Our United Beginning was designed by artist Buhlebezwe Siwani. And not to be missed is The Sculpture Gallery, conceived and designed by artist P. Struycken on behalf of Stroom Den Haag. On 40 pedestals, alternating sculptures by renowned international artists are displayed, making this one of the most eye-catching collections in the city. Every two years, a new artwork is added.

For the more architecturally adventurous, the Central Innovation District (CID) is a fascinating area to explore. The former industrial area is undergoing a large transformation with new offices, accommodation, and attractive amenities planned. Park in the Water by Vito Acconci is one of the landmarks, a central point in the shifting urban fabric and a prime example of the synergy of urban development and contemporary art.

Park in the Water by Vito Acconci.

Contemporary art tours

On Friday evening 29 May, you will be able join a free contemporary art tour. Organised by The Haagse Rondgang Foundation four times a year, the HOOGTIJ tour visits more than 20 locations; from white cube to hidden artist initiatives, from established art in galleries to experimental art, installations and performances.

Remember Our United Beginning by Buhlebezwe Siwani.

Passing art institutions such as Kunstmuseum Den Haag, with around 400,000 visitors per year and a broad music programme, the bustling new square Spui, and smaller museums with private collections such as Huis van het Boek and Panorama Mesdag – through art tours like HOOGTIJ, you will experience the city differently.

“In The Hague, art isn’t tucked away, it spills into the streets” adds Landre. “A vibrant and very accessible art scene turns the city into an open-air museum, ready to be explored.”

The Sculpture Gallery, Space Duck Racer by Hans van Bentem.

stroom.nl

Facebook: Stroom Den Haag
Instagram: @stroom_den_haag

Upcoming exhibition:

⌀ [dia] by Ana María Gómez López

Opening on 29 May, 2026

stroom.nl

Facebook: Stroom Den Haag Instagram: @stroom_den_haag
Website on outdoor art:

Stroom Den Haag hosts a user-friendly website where you can find all relevant information on outdoor art in The Hague: bkdh.nl/en