The Peace Palace (Vredespaleis) is a grand neo-renaissance style structure that houses the International Court of Justice. Tour the rooms and gardens of this extraordinary building where disputes between states are settled. See beautiful works of art that were given from many nations of the world as symbols of friendship and unity.
The palace was financed by a large donation from billionaire industrialist Andrew Carnegie. It opened in 1913 with the purpose of bringing nations together in peace after the First Hague Peace Conference.
Learn about the history and importance of the old building and the court by exploring the interactive exhibits in the Visitors Centre. Then go on a guided tour of the palace. Tours are available in English.
Wander through the Great Hall of Justice and admire the stained-glass windows donated by the U.K. See the marble throne from Greece and study Peace Through Justice, an enormous painting by French artist Albert Besnard. Keen students of law might like to request a look inside one of the world’s most comprehensive law libraries, housed inside the palace.
Step into the Japanese Room, where there are hand-woven silk wall coverings, Chinese vases and Turkish rugs. Appreciate the large 17th-century wall paintings and ceiling frescoes in the Ferdinand Bol Room, formerly the judges' chambers.
After your exploration of the palace, enjoy its gardens. Guided tours of the open spaces are available, but only in Dutch. Sit by the courtyard fountain with its porcelain polar bears and seals.
If you are visiting on a Tuesday or Thursday you’ll hear the carillon of bells in the early afternoon. Unlike other carillons, this isn’t played automatically to indicate time, but is a 45-minute concert by a musician.
The Peace Palace is approximately 1 mile (2 kilometres) from the centre of The Hague. Guided tours do not take place when the court is in session, although the Visitors Centre is open every day except Mondays. For details and prices of tours, visit the palace’s official website.
