The Hague and Scheveningen – J. Smulders & Co., c. 1915

“’s Gravenhage en Scheveningen.” Colour lithograph made by J. Smulders & Co, ca. 1915. Size: 43 × 38 cm.

This map offers a detailed overview of the geographical, urban, and landscape configuration of the city of The Hague (’s Gravenhage) and its seaside resort Scheveningen during a period of intense spatial development.

It shows how Scheveningen and The Hague had practically grown together, with the western districts of the city continuing to expand. Plenty of housing was built for the upper classes and the middle class in The Hague: well-situated citizens could settle in Benoordenhout, while the middle class found opportunities in the Bezuidenhout district. This also clearly reflects The Hague’s characteristic divide between “north” and “south.”

For those at the bottom of society, however, far less was built, mainly due to the introduction of the Dutch Housing Act (Woningwet). The new legislation made it less profitable to build large numbers of low-rent houses, making it clear that housing initiatives would now need to come from housing associations and the municipal government. It wasn’t until 1914 that the municipality began to play an active role in housing construction.

Scheveningen holds a prominent place on the map. During this period, the seaside resort developed into an internationally recognized destination for spa and health tourism. Iconic buildings such as the Kurhaus and other luxury hotels were built to accommodate this booming sector. The tramlines visible on the map, connecting The Hague with Scheveningen, reflect the technological innovations of the era and mark the beginning of a more integrated regional transportation network.

Also depicted is the Peace Palace (Vredespaleis), which was inaugurated in 1913 by Queen Wilhelmina. To make way for its construction, the estates of Rustenburg and Buitenrust were purchased by the municipality in 1905 and subsequently demolished.

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