Two Gates speak of more: be I greeting friend or guest.
't is not by one door yet by two open doors;
the spacious entrance shows what is to happen indoors,
And that friends are welcome to my bread and my wine,
not half, not whole, not once, but twice.

(Hofwijck poem, lines 1064-1068)

Welcome to Hofwijck, where you can become acquainted with the world of Constantijn Huygens

Constantijn Huygens (1596-1687) was a fascinating man with many talents. He was secretary to the Orange stadhouders, and a highly accomplished artist and scientist in his free time.

Exhibition Women Around Huygens
Huygens Museum Hofwijck and Stadsmuseum Leidschendam-Voorburg
9 April through 27 June 2010

The Golden Age seen through the eyes of 16 women with one person in common: Constantijn Huygens (1596-1687). Huygens - secretary of the Stadholder, musician and poet - had a wide network of scientists, artists and influential people. Through exchanging letters, poems and gifts he maintained contact with very diverse and fascinating women. Many of the letters and poems have been saved and give us a glimpse of the 17th century and the relation between this exceptional man and a number of equally exceptional women.

This exhibit is presented in two of the smaller museums near The Hague in The Netherlands.
In Huygensmuseum Hofwijck, the 17th century country house of Huygens, and in the nearby Stadsmuseum Leidschendam-Voorburg. The exhibition texts are in Dutch, but there is a translation available.

You can admire the life and works of Huygens here at Hofwijck, the partially surviving and beautifully restored country estate in Voorburg. Huygens had Hofwijck built according to his own specifications, creating a harmonious environment where he could retreat when he wanted to escape the bustle and the political machinations of life in The Hague.

The portrait of Susanna Hoefnagel has been beautifully restored.
View the restoration in detail.

Here at Hofwijck you can visit the Huygens Museum, go on a guided tour, arrange a school visit, attend a concert or lecture, get married in a 17th century setting, or enjoy a dinner or meeting.

Whatever the nature of your visit to Hofwijck, you are as doubly welcome as Huygens' guests were in his day.