On the evening of 17 November 2025, the grand Art Deco halls of the Kunstmuseum Den Haag provided an elegant and symbolic setting for a reception hosted by the Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of international organisations and members of the Royal Household gathered in one of the city’s most distinguished cultural landmarks.

The evening underscored The Hague’s unique dual identity: a global city of peace and justice, and a city deeply rooted in culture and the arts. Welcoming his guests, Mayor Van Zanen spoke not only on his own behalf, but also on behalf of the vice mayors, emphasising the collective commitment of the city’s leadership to international cooperation and cultural exchange.

In his address, Mayor Van Zanen highlighted the shared values of diplomacy and culture: listening, empathy and the willingness to see the world through another’s eyes. At a time of growing global divisions, he argued, cities such as The Hague bear a special responsibility to demonstrate how culture can function as a subtle yet powerful form of diplomacy.

Looking ahead, the mayor announced plans for a forthcoming gathering in January 2026 that will bring together the diplomatic community, international organisations and the cultural sector—an initiative aimed at strengthening ties between the city’s local and international communities. Such exchanges, he noted, are essential to reinforcing the social fabric and resilience of The Hague.

Concluding his speech, Mayor Van Zanen expressed gratitude to the diplomats and international representatives for their daily commitment to peace and justice. “Your work is invaluable—especially now,” he said, reaffirming the city’s steadfast support.

Celebrating the 90th anniversary of its iconic building, the Kunstmuseum stands as an architectural masterpiece designed by H.P. Berlage and as the guardian of a collection exceeding 170,000 art and cultural objects. While the Art Deco building itself dates from 1935, the museum’s history reaches back much further, to its founding in 1866. The museum’s general director, Margriet Schavemaker, elaborated on this rich legacy and introduced the exhibition Titanic & Fashion – The Last Dance, which guests were invited to visit during the reception. The exhibition draws poignant connections between fashion, history and modernity, mirroring the broader themes of reflection and dialogue that defined the evening.

Music played a central role in the programme. A performance by a delegation of the Residentie Orkest—an ensemble that has shaped the musical identity of the city for more than 120 years—added a resonant cultural layer to the diplomatic gathering. Quoting poet Gerrit Achterberg, the mayor remarked that “The Hague, you tap it and it sings,” a sentiment brought vividly to life by the orchestra’s performance.

The reception concluded with a clear message: in The Hague, culture and diplomacy are not parallel worlds, but deeply intertwined forces shaping a more peaceful and connected future.