Overview

In the 13th century, this building formed an impressive gateway to the Binnenhof. A few centuries later, it became the prison and courthouse of the powerful Hof van Holland. Here suspected criminals awaited their trial and defaulters were imprisoned. Today, the Museum de Gevangenpoort tells the exciting story of crime and punishment in times past.
Here you can see and experience how people were imprisoned, tried and punished in the past. What cells were they held in? Was there a difference between poor and rich prisoners? Where did they hear their verdict? And what were the punishments given? You will learn all this during a tour with our guide. Several important moments in Dutch history took place here, such as the murder of the De Witt brothers. You can also view the National Collection of Instruments of Torture and Punishment at

Tour Highlights

In the 13th century, this building formed the entrance gate to the Binnenhof. Centuries later it became a prison and the Museum de Gevangenpoort now tells the story of crime and punishment in times past.

• • Historical Dutch figures like Johan en Cornelis de Witt have been imprisoned
  • Discover the century old prison cells in this famous building
  • See the instruments with which the prisoners got tortured