With one flash of Doraemon’s Shrinking Ray, Madurodam brings the Netherlands down to size!

Reporter Zhu t?幔?ㄌ獗ǖ技/p>

The Hague is the political center of the Netherlands, yet it never neglects to nurture its artistic spirit. As one of the greenest cities in Europe, the Hague Sculpture Foundation displays various art sculptures along the streets, transforming ordinary pathways into open-air museums. Of course, there are also a variety of museums here, such as the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, hailed as “the most comfortable museum in the world,” and Madurodam, which presents the Netherlands at a reduced scale before your very eyes.

▲ As a political and economic hub, the Hague’s lush green streets exude a sense of leisure. (Photo / Authorized use by the Netherlands Tourism Board; same applies to the image below)

The Hague is a fascinating city, its multifaceted identity hard to pin down. One moment it’s the political and economic center of the Netherlands, and because nobles once chose The Hague as their residence and built castles here, it’s also known as the “Royal City.” Calling The Hague the art capital of the Netherlands is truly well-deserved, as it houses many historic masterpieces such as “Girl with a Pearl Earring” and “The Anatomy Lesson.” Perhaps it’s the refined elegance of the royal ambiance and the tranquil atmosphere of the green city that prevent The Hague from being tainted by its complex political and commercial activities, offering visitors and businesspeople a refined and relaxing environment.

Borrowing Doraemon’s Shrinking Ray—let’s shrink the Netherlands down to 1/25 its size.

▲ The streets, buildings, and attractions of the Netherlands in Madurodam are incredibly detailed, as if the country has been shrunk down to 1/25 of its original size.

If you want to visit the Netherlands but lack the time or budget, why not head to Madurodam (Madurodam)? Just like Taiwan’s Miniature World, which shrinks famous global landmarks, Madurodam condenses the Netherlands into a miniature city. All buildings, plants, and attractions are scaled down to 1/25 of their actual size. Here, you can see lighthouses, two massive dikes, the Alkmaar Cheese Market, the Peace Palace, the Royal Palace on Dam Square, and the houses along the canals of Amsterdam and Delft—all iconic Dutch sights are on full display in Madurodam.

▲ Windmills and airports are faithfully recreated, and the adorable little figures add even more fun.

Beyond static landscapes and buildings, Madurodam is full of movement. In the newly built Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you can see planes coming and going, with bustling crowds in the airport terminal. The internationally renowned Dutch windmills slowly turn, and canals—like veins spread across the Netherlands—are filled with passing boats. Trains roar past on the world’s largest miniature railway, which stretches 4.5 kilometers, authentically portraying the prosperity of the Netherlands.

The most comfortable museum in the world—where the Girl with a Pearl Earring gives a knowing smile.

The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery, adjacent to the Parliament Building, was built in the 17th century and is a quintessential example of Dutch Classicism, even its pioneering work. Originally the residence of a Dutch prince, it now serves as a vast art collection museum. It’s called “the most comfortable museum in the world” because this building was once a palace constructed by Count Johan Maurits van Nassau, a lover of travel and the good life. Located next to the Parliament Buildings and overlooking the Hofvijver Lake, the combination of beautiful scenery and an artistic atmosphere makes it no wonder that people feel the most comfortable here.

%The most famous painting in this royal gallery is the Girl with a Pearl Earring returning a smile.