Frequently asked questions

Answers to questions we regularly receive from our visitors.

FAQ

What was here before the house at Prinsegracht 15 (Huis Dedel, or The Dedel Mansion) was built in 1642?

This part of The Hague was not yet developed. There were gardens and plots of land to grow vegetables.

When was the canal that run before the house (Prinsegracht) dug and when was it filled in again?

The canal was part of the development of this part of the city and dug in 1642 when also the house was built. In the 1880’s the first two blocks were filled in and around 1920 the remainder. The underground tramway was constructed in the 1990’s.

What happened to the building on Prinsegracht 17?

That house burned down in the 1930’s and was rebuilt in a “modern” style. Originally it looked like the house on number 19. As it originally belonged to the Dedel family the museum is looking for funds to restore the façade in its former splendour and to make it part of the museum complex.

In The Hague there is a Prinsegracht and in Amsterdam there is a Prinsengracht. Why the difference?

The Prinsegracht in The Hague is named for one prince only: Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange and Nassau, who lived from 1584-1647. The Prinsengracht in Amsterdam is named for princes in general.

The shop at the corner Prinsegracht 13 is a very different building than Huis Dedel. What happened?

In the 1920’s when the Prinsegracht was filled in the local government demolished three houses next door to Huis Dedel to make way for a city ring road. This left a small plot of land of wedged shape where Prinsegracht 13 was built in typical Dutch art deco style. It is reminiscent of the flat iron building in New York.

Huis Dedel has no facilities for the handicapped or the elderly. Could that be changed?

A lift is planned to be constructed in the adjacent building Prinsegracht 13. All the permits are granted, but to construct the lift the museum must own the building next door first. Unfortunately one of the owners of the apartments in that building is not willing to sell his property. Eventually that will change.

When will the garden be reconstructed?

In the centre of the garden lay the remnants of the former water well. In the garden behind Prinsegracht 17 lays the former cesspit, dating to around 1650. We are waiting for the permits to dig up what remains so that we can decide to -maybe- reconstruct the water well and then the garden. From the contents of the cesspit we can learn a lot about the history of Huis Dedel and its occupants.

Why was so much of the 19th Century wallpaper preserved?

The auction house that used the building between 1908 and 2016 had bookcases constructed in almost all the rooms. When in 2016 the bookcases were taken out the old wallpaper reappeared.

When will the restoration of the building be finished?

Due to the lack of financial backing, only the much needed restoration can be done. We did what was necessary to save the building as not much was done to it since the 1880’s. On the priority list are

The wall paper, ceiling and lightning in the main room “de Zaal”.
The stucco works
The floors in the entrance hall and hallway

How can I help?

Please step forward if you see ways for funding the restoration or the exhibitions and direct your mail to president@designmuseumdedel.nl. You can also show your support by making a donation to the Friends of Huis Dedel foundation with bank account NL53 RABO 0327 1840 78. This is a cultural charity according to the Dutch tax code.

Enjoy your visit and please come again soon and spread the word !

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Frequently asked questions