City Hall & Public Library (IJspaleis)
A modern civic hub housing city services, a public library, and rotating art exhibits, known for its light-filled architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Extended evening hours
City Hall & Public Library (IJspaleis)
Best Time
Extended evening hours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern civic hub housing city services, a public library, and rotating art exhibits, known for its light-filled architecture.
"A spacious building filled with light that houses a restaurant, offices, archives and a changing art exhibit."
🎯 Book Appointments Online
For city services, book ahead to avoid long waits. Personnel are friendly and efficient when appointments are made.
🖼️ Check Art Exhibit Schedule
Discover rotating art exhibits in the atrium. Check the schedule to see what's on during your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Modern Architecture
City Hall Building
Admire the striking, light-filled modern design of this bureaucratic hub.

Public Library (IJspaleis)
Adjacent to City Hall
A spacious and well-equipped library offering a quiet space for reading and study.

Rotating Art Exhibits
City Hall Atrium
Discover diverse and engaging art installations that change periodically.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Appointments in Advance
Explore Art Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
few questions about public libraries
🎯 Book Appointments Online
For city services, book ahead to avoid long waits. Personnel are friendly and efficient when appointments are made.
🖼️ Check Art Exhibit Schedule
Discover rotating art exhibits in the atrium. Check the schedule to see what's on during your visit.
☕ Cafe Dining Available
Enjoy a meal or coffee at the onsite cafe, a convenient spot within the complex.
📚 Library Access
The adjacent public library is a great spot to relax, study, or use computers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Appointments Online
For city services, book ahead to avoid long waits. Personnel are friendly and efficient when appointments are made.
🖼️ Check Art Exhibit Schedule
Discover rotating art exhibits in the atrium. Check the schedule to see what's on during your visit.
☕ Cafe Dining Available
Enjoy a meal or coffee at the onsite cafe, a convenient spot within the complex.
📚 Library Access
The adjacent public library is a great spot to relax, study, or use computers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The IJspaleis is a modern, spacious civic building praised for its light-filled architecture and the convenience of its integrated public library and art exhibits. While many find the administrative services efficient with advance booking, some visitors have noted minor delays in service start times and payment flexibility. The overall ambiance is serene and corporate, making it a functional yet culturally enriched destination.
"A spacious building filled with light that houses a restaurant, offices, archives and a changing art exhibit.
This is the main building open for residents to transact business with the city. It also handles immigration and drivers license applications.
Personnel are friendly and service is quick if you book an appointment in advance. Take a number from the machines and wait for the number to appear on the digital screens. Personnel are nearby to assist.
Large benches serve as waiting areas for residents waiting for the next available employee. The building is also next to the main library. Overall, my visits here have been positive."
tamilew329
"It is a huge place to accommodate people in large numbers, cleanliness is amazing, people are friendly and all your worries are gone here."
Neeraj Saxena
"You need to have some business to be in The Hague city .Entire ambience is serene and corporate imbued with collection of rare art works, paintings, invaluable artifacts .Before coming to Hague ,i knew the city as home to International Court of Justice. After staying 4/5 days in WTC_The Hague ( World Trade Centre) , it occurred to me that not kind of city to joke about. Spacious squares, pleasant aura , disciplined social fabric, all appeared very idyllic. If you are an art lover or fond of gothic architecture,this place is right for you. I witnessed a sharp contrast in city life of two countries i:e Holland and Germany. Crossing the Dutch border for entry into Germany ,believe me, like exiting from a fairy land and embarking on Roller coster.
I don't know much about night life ,didn't get time for that .
However,Hema is good choice for economical shopping.
Thanks to Organizers ; CBI, Centre for Promotion of imports into EU from Developing countries of the Netherlands for arranging the visit and imparting useful guidance on EU markets. I knew that by virtue of attending the program , many new entrepreneurs started exports into EU."
Shahida Qaiser
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The IJspaleis is accessible by public transport in The Hague. Tram lines and bus routes often stop nearby. It's advisable to check local public transport schedules for the most direct routes from your location.
While specific parking details can vary, there are typically public parking facilities in the vicinity of major civic buildings in The Hague. It's recommended to research parking options in advance, as street parking can be limited.
Yes, the public library section of the IJspaleis is generally open to the public for browsing, reading, and using facilities without an appointment. However, for specific city services, appointments are usually required.
The City Hall has specific hours for official business, and it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. Some areas, like the library and art exhibits, may have different hours.
Modern civic buildings like the IJspaleis are typically designed with accessibility in mind. It's generally expected to be wheelchair accessible, but for specific needs, it's always best to confirm directly with the venue.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the public areas of the City Hall and the Public Library is generally free. However, if you have an appointment for specific city services, you will need to follow the designated procedures.
Appointments for city services can typically be booked through the official website of The Hague municipality. Look for sections related to citizen services or specific departments like immigration or driver's licenses.
The required documents will depend on the specific service you are applying for. Always check the appointment confirmation or the municipality's website for a detailed list of necessary identification and supporting documents.
Payment methods can vary. While some services might accept cash, it's often recommended to have alternative payment options like cards available, as policies can change. It's best to confirm payment options when booking your appointment.
Standard security measures may apply. Large bags or prohibited items might not be allowed. It's advisable to travel light and only bring essentials, especially if you have an appointment.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can conduct city business, visit the public library for reading and study, and explore rotating art exhibits. The building also houses offices and archives.
Yes, there is a cafe within the City Hall complex where you can dine or grab a coffee. It's a convenient option for visitors.
If you have an appointment, factor in your appointment duration plus potential waiting times. For a casual visit to see the art exhibits or use the library, 1-2 hours should suffice.
Absolutely! The IJspaleis features rotating art exhibits that can be quite interesting. It's a pleasant surprise to find art in a civic building.
The atmosphere is described as serene and corporate, with a spacious and light-filled ambiance. It's clean and the personnel are generally friendly.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is often permitted in public areas, but it's wise to check for any signage or ask staff, especially in areas with art exhibits or sensitive offices.
The modern architecture, the light-filled atrium, and the art exhibits are usually the most photogenic areas. Capture the clean lines and open spaces of the building.
Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited in and around civic buildings due to security and privacy regulations. Always adhere to local laws regarding drone usage.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating City Services at the IJspaleis
While the building is designed to accommodate large numbers of people, punctuality for appointments can sometimes be an issue, with some visitors noting delays in service commencement. It's also worth noting that payment methods might have some flexibility, but it's best to confirm in advance if you intend to pay with cash, as policies can sometimes be inconsistent. The overall experience is generally positive, with a focus on cleanliness and friendly personnel, contributing to a serene and corporate ambiance.
The Public Library and Art Exhibits
Furthermore, the City Hall frequently hosts rotating art exhibits in its atrium. These displays showcase a variety of works, adding a cultural dimension to the visit. Art enthusiasts will find these exhibits a pleasant surprise, offering a chance to engage with local or visiting artists. Checking the schedule for current exhibitions beforehand can enhance your visit, allowing you to plan around specific displays.
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