Huis ten Bosch Palace is one of the three official residences of the Dutch Royal Family. The palace is located in The Hague, in the middle of the Haagse Bos, and has a long and rich history dating back to the 17th century.
History
Construction and Origin (1645): Huis ten Bosch Palace was built by order of Amalia van Solms, the wife of stadtholder Frederik Hendrik van Oranje, as a summer residence. It was designed by architects Pieter Post and Jacob van Campen, who were also involved in the construction of the Royal Palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam. Construction began in 1645.
Orange Hall: One of the most famous parts of the palace is the Orange Hall, an impressive, octagonal room dedicated to Frederik Hendrik after his death in 1647. The hall is decorated with large paintings by famous artists from the Golden Age, celebrating the glory of the House of Orange.
Use through the ages: Over the years, the palace has been used in various ways. During the French occupation in the late 18th century, it was confiscated by the French. After the fall of Napoleon, it returned to the House of Orange and became a royal residence. Various members of the royal family lived there in the 19th and 20th centuries.
World War II: It was badly damaged during World War II. After the war, it was restored and put back into use by the royal family.
Current Use
Today, Huis ten Bosch Palace is the official residence of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. The palace was thoroughly renovated and modernized between 2014 and 2019 before the royal family moved in. It is a private residence, which means that it is not open to the public, but official receptions and state visits are occasionally held there.
Architecture
The palace is a beautiful example of the Dutch classicist architectural style. It has a central dome and symmetrical wings, surrounded by beautiful gardens and forests. Recent renovations have added modern amenities while preserving the historical elements.
All in all, Huis ten Bosch Palace is not only an important historical building, but also a symbol of the Dutch monarchy.