Tiny Buildings with a Big Story: Madurodam in The Hague
Den Haag, The Netherlands
We took a train from Haarlem to The Hague and arrived at a station even bigger than Utrecht. This time I wasn’t surprised at the size. The Hague has played a significant role in history as the global hub of international law and arbitration – it has big governmental energy. I needed a moment to figure out where to start, so we ducked into a Starbucks where I ordered a grande and sat down with my GPS app. The coffee was delicious, and the people-watching was even better – so many people pouring out of the train station on a Monday morning.
Our original plan was to visit the Peace Palace, but it was closed. Option #2, the Mauritshuis Museum, didn’t open until 1 p.m., so we pivoted. A quick tram ride later, we found ourselves at Madurodam—a place both Shannon and I had seen on “must see” lists.
Madurodam is an amusement park tucked into the Scheveningen district of The Hague. It’s a whimsical, meticulously crafted world of 1:25 scale replicas of Dutch landmarks, cities, and engineering marvels. But it’s more than just tiny buildings. It’s a tribute.
The park is named after George Maduro, a Dutch law student from Curaçao who fought against the Nazi occupation and died in Dachau in 1945. His parents funded the park as a memorial to their son, and since its opening in 1952, Madurodam has donated all net proceeds to Dutch charities. The theme: “Het stadje met de glimlach” (The little city with the smile).
Before walking among the miniatures, we started with a series of immersive rooms. The first featured a huge 180-degree screen telling George Maduro’s story.
The second room offered Dutch history in alternating versions in Dutch and English. Since Shannon and I were the only English-speakers in line, we had the room to ourselves. It gave a compelling overview of the Dutch and their fight for independence.
The third room dove into the founding of Nieuw Amsterdam in North America. It was fascinating to hear about New York from the Dutch perspective. They take full credit for the city’s best qualities. When they handed it over to the English, they negotiated to keep their freedom and continue their enterprises. The exhibit mentioned Dutch families who immigrated to New York—like the Roosevelts and the Springsteens (yes, ancestors of the Boss himself).
Then came the miniatures. I can’t get over the detail. Houses, canals, cathedrals—all so precise, so carefully made. One palace looks so real in the photo I took, you wouldn’t know it’s a miniature unless you look very closely.
The replica of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol comes complete with baggage conveyors and tiny pieces of luggage. Planes taxi down miniature runways and park at arrival gates.
You can see a replica of the Mars candy factory in Veghel, the largest chocolate factory in the world. If you swipe your credit card to pay 50 cents, a tiny truck drives out of the factory and delivers a tiny Mars bar to you.
Madurodam surprised me. It’s playful, yes, but also deeply rooted in history and generosity. It’s a mini city with a smile, built to honor courage, and designed to give back. Some see it as a family/kid’s attraction, but I’m glad we took the time to visit.
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Tips & Recommendations
Madurodam is a quick tram ride from the main train station in The Hague. Take the Line 9 tram for one to two euros. It takes around six minutes. Bus and direct train service are also available.
We bought our tickets in person without a wait on a Monday morning in May. The website provides options for ordering individual tickets or buying bundles for the family. Individual tickets range from 19 to 23 euros, depending on the day.
This video provides a 12-minute walkthrough of the park.