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Peace Palace
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Historical site
The Peace Palace in The Hague is the seat of the International Court of Justice and a global symbol of peace and justice. The building was constructed between 1907 and 1913 in the Neo-Renaissance style, following a substantial donation from the American industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Designed by the French architect Louis Cordonnier, the palace is distinguished by its ornate facade and its prominent clock tower. In addition to the International Court of Justice, the palace houses the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law, and one of the world's most significant libraries for international law. Many nations contributed to the lavish interior through gifts of artworks and building materials. The Peace Palace stands for the well-suited of resolving international conflicts through diplomacy and jurisprudence rather than through warfare.
- Location: South Holland, Netherlands
- Nearby: Voorburg (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 66 | 55 | 38 | 56 | 62 | 78 | 87 | 70 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Peace Palace is accessible inside only via guided tour; the surrounding park is open to the public. Tours must be booked in advance due to high demand.
Typical hours
Guided tours typically run on weekdays at fixed times, often 10:00, 11:00, and 14:00. Weekends usually have fewer tours; the park is open daily.
Photography
Photography inside during the tour is usually allowed without flash. In the park and from outside, pictures are allowed at any time.
Time needed
The guided tour of the Peace Palace lasts about one hour. Plan extra time for a walk in the park and to visit the adjacent visitor center.
Combine with
The Peace Palace is in central The Hague, close to the Mauritshuis and Binnenhof. Combine the visit with exploring the international quarter and surrounding embassies.
Getting there
By tram, get off at 'Vredespaleis' stop (lines 1 or 16). From The Hague Central Station it is about a 15-minute walk or a short tram ride.
Insider tip
Book the tour weeks in advance as slots sell out quickly. Arrive early to enjoy the park and exterior view in peace.
Geography
Facts
- The official inauguration took place on August 28, 1913.
- Andrew Carnegie donated $1.5 million for the construction.
- The palace tower reaches a height of approximately 80 meters.
- Seat of the United Nations International Court of Justice since 1946.
- The library contains over one million volumes on international law.
- The 'World Peace Flame' has been burning at the entrance since 2002.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Peace Palace (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which institutions are housed in the Peace Palace?
It houses the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Can you visit the interior of the Peace Palace?
Guided tours of the interior are only available on specific weekends and during holidays.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, the visitor center at the entrance gives a free exhibition and an audio guide.
Do tours need to be booked in advance?
Yes, online booking in advance is strictly required for interior tours.
Where is the Peace Palace located?
It is located at Carnegieplein in The Hague.
Peace Palace: where is it located?
Peace Palace is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Peace Palace: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Peace Palace: why is it worth visiting?
The Peace Palace in The Hague is the seat of the International Court of Justice and a global symbol of peace and justice.
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