Images of Huygens Museum: Hofwijck
Huygens Museum: Hofwijck and its collection
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The Huygens Museum comprises two historic sites located in the heart of Voorburg. The museum invites visitors to explore the diverse realms of history, art, and science. Spanning 2,000 years, its themes range from classical antiquity to the art and science of the 17th century, and from the modern world of the independent-minded Princess Marianne to the culture of the 20th century. The estate, Hofwijck, in Voorburg highlights two key figures of 17th-century Dutch history: Constantijn and Christiaan Huygens. It delves into literature, science, history, music, architecture, and their lifelong connection to the House of Orange. Hofwijck is the brainchild of Constantijn Huygens (1596–1687), a fascinating and multi-talented figure. As counsellor to the Princes of Orange and a skilled practitioner of the arts and sciences in his leisure, Constantijn found solace in the harmonious surroundings of Hofwijck, escaping the bustle and political unrest of life in The Hague. The estate's garden was reconstructed in 2004 based on Constantijn's original 1640 design, inspired by Vitruvius's architectural principles, which emphasise the harmony of the human form. Christiaan Huygens, Constantijn’s son, is regarded as the greatest scientist the Netherlands has produced. He invented the pendulum clock, discovered Saturn’s rings, and demonstrated that light travels in a wave-like motion. Christiaan spent the final eight years of his life living and working at Hofwijck. Hofwijck is a beautifully preserved 17th-century country house. The Sael (main hall) and the authentic kitchen evoke the atmosphere of the era. During a guided tour, visitors will also encounter the original icehouse, a rare feature in the Netherlands due to its unique design.
NLHuygensmuseum Hofwijck
Science & Technology History & Anthropology Historic house Person & Artist Garden & Park Local
#34 History & Anthropology in South Holland #10 Science & Technology in South Holland #8 Gardens & parks in South Holland #16 Historic houses in South Holland #15 Local museums in South Holland #7 Person & artist museums in South Holland #190 History & Anthropology in the Netherlands #45 Science & Technology in the Netherlands #43 Gardens & parks in the Netherlands #68 Historic houses in the Netherlands #95 Local museums in the Netherlands #25 Person & artist museums in the Netherlands
#34 History & Anthropology in South Holland
#10 Science & Technology in South Holland
#8 Gardens & parks in South Holland
#16 Historic houses in South Holland
#15 Local museums in South Holland
#7 Person & artist museums in South Holland
#190 History & Anthropology in the Netherlands
#45 Science & Technology in the Netherlands
#43 Gardens & parks in the Netherlands
#68 Historic houses in the Netherlands
#95 Local museums in the Netherlands
#25 Person & artist museums in the Netherlands
