Did you know that until 1875, there weren't just one, but two museums to visit in the Mauritshuis? On the upper floor, you could admire the Royal Cabinet of Paintings. Those artworks are still there. But can you imagine that the ground floor was completely filled with thousands of objects? They have all disappeared by now. This part of the museum was called the Royal Cabinet of Curiosities.

A colorful collection of antiques, porcelain, clothing, weapons, miniatures, and unique items from around the world filled the space. This autumn, you'll discover the remarkable story of a forgotten museum.

What did it look like? The Royal Cabinet of Curiosities was a major crowd-puller, an outing you didn't want to miss. From floor to ceiling, it was packed with fascinating objects. There were over 10,000 to see!

What the cabinet looked like exactly is unknown, but there is one drawing that gives us an impression. It's not an exact representation, but for example, the canoe really did hang from the ceiling. In the exhibition, after over 140 years, we bring a part of the Cabinet back to its original location for a limited time only.

Our way of thinking about the objects has often changed significantly through the years. The exhibition takes you on a journey through such changes. Through the stories behind the objects, you can learn more about the early beginnings of the Dutch national identity, colonial history, and cultural stereotypes. These themes are closely linked to the fascinating history of the Mauritshuis.