Museum Bredius

The Museum Bredius in The Hague houses the collection of Dutch art historian Abraham Bredius, who became internationally known as a Rembrandt expert. The building on the Lange Vijverberg was constructed in 1755 by the architect Pieter de Swart and served as a residence for prominent figures until the 1930s. After several stops along the way, including a move from the former Bredius home in Amsterdam, the collection moved into this historic herenhuis in 1990. The renovation in the original Louis XV style made it possible to authentically restore the interior with period furnishings from the 18th century, which makes for a special experience for visitors.

The exhibition focuses on the carefully restored interior architecture, which underscores the historical context of the collection. The art collection itself includes more than 150 artists and is especially well known for its etchings and paintings of the 17th century. Among the standout names are Aelbert Cuyp, Anthony van Dyck, Melchior de Hondecoeter, Adriaen van Ostade, and Rembrandt. Bredius chose his pieces deliberately to help answer academic questions in art history, for example by including rare works or reconstructed paintings. The visual experience is rounded out by an extensive collection of silver, including 70 pieces by Dutch silversmiths, as well as porcelain from China, Germany, and Delft that takes up the historical themes of Delftware.