Discovering Sea Monsters at Muzee Scheveningen in The Hague

Muzee Scheveningen (Museum Scheveningen) explores the fascinating history of this coastal region of The Hague. The museum is aptly housed within minutes of the North Sea inside an old school building on Neptunusstraat.

From the onset it is evident that the building itself has been around for a while. And once inside you are taken on a most intriuging journey of the history of Scheveningen. Firstly, you’ll observe various ship models on display immediately giving you a taste of what life was once like in the area.

You’ll even catch a glimpse of one of Mesdag‘s (rather small) sea paintings if you’re observant enough.

You’ll also get to see what people who lived in Scheveningen and the surrounds once wore, but also what those in the fishing industry wore.

And this reality is furthered by a beach cabin (or badkoets in Dutch) on display. From the period 1830 – 1920 beach-goers would step inside to change into the appropriate beach attire. A horse would then pull the cabin into the water at a depth of around 70cm. The bather would enjoy a dip and get back into the cabin which was then pulled back onto the beach. During the activity of bathing a dedicated bathing attendant would be present.

Nice moustache Meneer (sir)!

After you’ve learnt a bit about the history of Scheveningen as a fishing region you’ll then enter an exhibition displaying all sorts of fascinating sea creatures…

Some real creatures (in aquariums)…

And then a myriad of models too.

You’ll even get to see some of the weirdest and amazing looking sea creatures ever.

But many will perplex you.

And the size of some might shock you! Take for instance this model of a Japanese Spider Crab – a massive being that I certainly wouldn’t want disturbing my tan whilst on the beach.

You’ll also learn of some very dangerous sea creatures that have brought many to their deaths.

Additionally, you’ll experience a room with an underwater atmosphere and feel as though you’re right there in the depths of the Scheveningen waters (albeit without the murkiness!).

And then the wow factor enters yet again! Now you’ll even question the existance of ‘zeemonsters’. This one with an ape face seriously freaked me out. But I’ll leave you to find out the exact story behind this really pretty face.

There are also some other undersea lifeforms that I’d rather not know about to be honest. Like this thingy below (still don’t know what the heck it is – possibly an octopus tentacle or something) which is just seriously gross and looks like a tumor of some sort.

So I think I’ll just stick to viewing the sea shells instead.

  

After the strange sea creatures section you get to see more models of what life was like in the Scheveningen region. You’ll see exhibits on everything from classrooms, to shops to an historical birth of quintuplets.

    

Lastly, an interesting exhibition of the history of The Hague and Scheveningen is currently on at the Muzee Scheveningen. It’s called ‘The Wonder World of Scheveningen’ but is unfortunately only in Dutch. However, if you know the city you’ll easily be able to recognise some main landmarks and observe how they have changed over the decades. Take for instance the Scheveningseweg (as depicted below) – a long, solitary road leading from the city centre to Scheveningen. Today the area is built up with many houses, shops, churches and offices on either side. 

So if you have an interest in the sea or are a beachlover I highly recommend Muzee Scheveningen in The Hague, the Netherlands. This is a great museum to visit if you’re spending a couple of days in the city and if you’re curious about the culture, way of life of local Dutchies and of sealife in general.