The Hague: Madurodam Miniature Park Entry Ticket
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Madurodam opened in 1952 as a living memorial to George Maduro, a young Dutch resistance fighter who died in Dachau concentration camp in 1945 at age 28. Inspired by England’s Bekonscot model village, philanthropist Mrs. J.M. van der Hoop-de Block van der Starp envisioned a miniature Dutch city to raise funds for children’s charities, particularly the Dutch Students Sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. George’s parents provided the initial capital, and architect S.J. Bouma designed the 1:25 scale layout, with corporate support from KLM, Shell, Philips, and Dutch Railways.
Princess Beatrix (then 14) cut the ribbon at its launch, becoming its first “mayor.” Expanded in 1996 and renovated in 2012 for more interactivity, the park has welcomed over 50 million visitors, donating €30+ million to youth causes. It remains a symbol of postwar rebuilding, blending whimsy with national pride in The Hague’s Scheveningen district.
Highlights
- Wander 338 intricate 1:25 scale miniatures of Dutch landmarks, from windmills to Rotterdam’s skyline
- Engage in 21 interactive installations, like operating the Oosterscheldekering flood barrier
- Immerse in 7 indoor multi-sensory experiences, including a DJ booth and cheese market simulation
- Step into Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s pearl earring in the Dutch Masters exhibit
- Board a restored 1945 Dakota plane for a KLM history flight simulation
- Explore free-moving elements: trains chugging, boats sailing canals, and planes taking off at Schiphol
Full Description
Madurodam captivates as The Hague’s top family attraction, shrinking the Netherlands into a 1:25 wonderland where history and innovation play out in miniature. Stroll past tiny Amsterdam canals lined with gabled houses, Kinderdijk windmills turning against a polder sky, and the Binnenhof Parliament buzzing with “politicians.” Over 338 models include moving trains, ferries, and construction sites at Schiphol Airport—press buttons to launch flights or load Rotterdam port cranes.
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The park’s heart lies in its 7 indoor adventures: relive turning swamps into land via dike-building touchscreens, haggle at a lively Alkmaar cheese market, or spin tracks as a virtual DJ. The newest Dutch Masters zone brings Golden Age art alive—pose amid Rembrandt’s militia in augmented reality or unravel Vermeer’s mysteries. A restored DC-3 Dakota plane offers cockpit views of KLM’s 100-year legacy.
Open 365 days, it’s wheelchair-friendly with scenic paths, on-site restaurants, and a souvenir shop stocked with clogs and tulips. Just 40 minutes from Schiphol, it’s a joyful crash course in Dutch ingenuity—perfect for sparking wonder in all ages.
Why Choose This Attraction?
Madurodam distills the Netherlands’ essence into two magical hours (or a full day of delights), blending education with enchantment in ways no full-size tour can. Where else can you “save” the country from floods, step into a masterpiece, or fly a vintage plane—all while tiny locals go about their day? It’s a clever antidote to museum fatigue, especially for families.
With its charitable roots and constant evolution (like 2025’s refreshed Masters exhibit), it honors heritage while feeling fresh. Rain or shine, indoors and out, it’s The Hague’s unmissable gem—leaving you with smiles, stories, and a pint-sized appreciation for Dutch resilience.
What’s Included
- Entrance to Madurodam theme park
- Access to all 338 miniatures and outdoor landscapes
- Entry to 7 indoor attractions and multi-sensory experiences
- 21 interactive installations throughout the park
- Free-moving exhibits like trains, boats, and airport simulations
- Wheelchair and stroller accessibility with ramps and elevators
- On-site restaurants and souvenir shop
- Free parking and Wi-Fi
Pricing
From $22 per person
Meeting Point
Madurodam theme park, George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ The Hague, Netherlands. Head to the main entrance gate off the roundabout.
How to Get There
- By Train: From Amsterdam Centraal (45 min via Intercity to Den Haag Centraal), then tram 9 to Madurodam stop (10 min)
- By Car: A4/A44 from Amsterdam (40 min); free parking on-site
- By Bus: Line 28 from Den Haag Centraal to Madurodam (15 min)
- By Bike: 20 min from city center; secure racks available
- By Foot: 15-min walk from Scheveningen beach via forested paths
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (mostly outdoors)
- Comfortable walking shoes (2+ km of paths)
- Smartphone for AR features in exhibits
- Reusable water bottle (free refill stations)
Know Before You Go
- Open daily 10 AM–5 PM (last entry 4 PM; check for seasonal extensions)
- Dress for variable weather; indoor areas provide shelter
- Children under 4 enter free; height minimums for some interactions (e.g., 1m for plane cockpit)
- English signage and audio in all experiences
- Combine with Scheveningen beach or Peace Palace for a full Hague day
Reviews
- Fully enjoyed the mini scenes and films—the Dakota plane was a brilliant tour finale.
- Nice, interesting houses and short films to watch. Good food, not too crowded.
- Fascinating miniature world; it lets you relive childhood while discovering the best of the Netherlands.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
What is the story behind Madurodam's creation and its charitable mission?
Madurodam was founded in 1952 as a tribute to George John Lionel Maduro, a 28-year-old Jewish-Dutch law student and cavalry officer who joined the resistance against Nazi occupation. Captured in 1940, he endured Dachau until his death from typhus in 1945. His parents donated the startup funds for this miniature park, inspired by England's Bekonscot, to create a "city with a smile" that would generate income for children's charities. Designed by architect S.J. Bouma at 1:25 scale, it opened with Princess Beatrix as its first "mayor." Since then, proceeds from over 50 million visitors have supported the Madurodam Children's Fund, aiding over 300 youth projects worldwide with €30+ million raised—focusing on health, education, and welfare.
How do the indoor experiences work, and which ones are must-dos?
The 7 indoor attractions use multi-sensory tech to immerse you in Dutch tales, each lasting 5–15 minutes with English audio and interactions. Must-dos include the Dutch Masters (newest, 2023): AR lets you join Rembrandt's The Night Watch militia or swing on Vermeer's pearl earring, blending art history with games. Waterworld simulates dike-building to reclaim land from the sea, complete with floods and pumps. The Flying Dutchman boards a real 1945 Dakota for KLM's century-spanning flight sim. Others: DJ booth for mixing beats, cheese market haggling, and New Amsterdam's colonial voyage. All are family-paced, wheelchair-accessible, and included—start here on rainy days to beat lines.
Is Madurodam suitable for young children, and what activities keep them engaged?
Yes—it's a kid magnet, with free entry under 4 and scaled-down wonder that feels like a giant playset. Tots love pressing buttons to make trains whoosh, boats sail, or airport lights flash; the 21 interactions include flower auctions where you "bid" with tokens and a port crane that lifts cargo. Indoors, the Masters exhibit has coloring stations and AR selfies with van Gogh; the plane cockpit invites pretend-piloting. Scavenger hunts spot hidden elves in mini houses, and paths are stroller-friendly with picnic spots. Parents note 2–3 hours flies by—engaging without overwhelming, sparking questions about real Dutch life.
What's new or seasonal at Madurodam in 2025, and are there special events?
In 2025, the Dutch Masters indoor zone gets a refresh with expanded Mondrian rhythm games and Leyster self-portrait poses, tying into the Netherlands' art anniversary. Seasonal highlights: spring tulip blooms around mini Keukenhof (March–May), summer evening illuminations with light shows on canals (June–August), and winter Wonderland with mini ice-skating rinks and Sinterklaas arrivals (November–December). Events include family workshops like model-building (weekends) and charity runs for the Children's Fund. Check the app for timed slots; the park's 365-day operation ensures year-round access, with holiday crowds peaking mid-July.
How long does a visit take, and can I eat or shop there?
Most families spend 2–3 hours covering highlights, but unlimited stay lets you linger—add 1 hour for all indoors. Paths loop efficiently, with maps at entry. Dining: Panorama Café offers panoramic views with Dutch bites like poffertjes (€8) or veggie stroopwafels; Taste of Holland serves full meals (fish & chips €15) with kid options. Both are wheelchair-accessible and pet-friendly outdoors. The gift shop brims with souvenirs—mini clogs (€5), tulip kits (€10), and custom tiles—plus a bakery for fresh treats. No outside food in eateries, but picnics are welcome on benches.
