Maquette

Fire dome from the Valkhuis (16^th century)

This gorgeously decorated fire dome comes from the former Valkhuis, which was next to the Gevangenpoort. This was home to the falconer, who supplied the dogs and falcons for hunting. At night, the fire dome was placed over the fire in the hearth. It then smouldered gently without a fire breaking out. The next morning, the embers could be poked into life again.

Slate with etched drawing (15^th century)

Slate was usually used for roof tiles in the Middle Ages. When the earthenware roof tile arrived, the old slate tiles were reused for multiple purposes. In one of the peep boxes in this cellar, you will find one which was repurposed as a mould. This one ended up as 'drawing paper'. 

Stone 'sills' (end of 18^th century)

A sill is the bottom part of a door frame. It prevents moisture getting into the wooden frame from below. These sills probably come from the Nieuw Stadhouderlijk Kwartier, on the west side of the Binnenhof. The front is smoothly polished. On the back, you can still see the sculptor's cutting marks. 

Speaker from the Senate complex (20^th century)

This is a speaker box, designed to suit one of the rooms of the Senate. Via this box, members of parliament were called for a debate or to resume a meeting.

Keystone from Department of Justice (19^th century)

This is a keystone featuring an animal head. It comes from the wall of the former Ministry of Justice on the Plein. A keystone is the final piece at the apex of an arch. This stone must be made of extra strong material. This one is made of natural stone.

Wall tiles (17^th century)

These painted tiles were found in the attic of the former Department of Justice. They were probably once kept as spare tiles. It is hard to say exactly where they come from. In the Binnenhof, we see similar tiles in chimneys and hearths. The fact that they were found in an attic is proof that modifications, refurbishments and renovations are commonplace in the Binnenhof.