The back entrance of Kurhaus from the beach, on Strandweg.
The main entrance of the Kurhaus on Gevers Deynootplein and Gevers Deynootweg.
To further illustrate, and I guess justify this fact, is the most impressive building, rather, the iconic symbol of Scheveningen beach – the Kurhaus (official name now is Grand Hotel Amrath Kurhaus). This grandiose building was a creation by 2 German architects, Johann Friedrich Henkenhaf and Friedrich Ebert. Even the name, Kurhaus is in German! If it was in Dutch, it would have been spelled as Kuurhuis. The building was built between 1884 and 1885 as a hotel and concert hall. The stunning ceilings in the Kurzaal (this is the concert hall which is in the main building of the Kurhaus) were painted by Belgian artist from Brussels, Van Hoeck.
You can imagine that this hotel and concert hall was THE place to be during its glorious days. It even served as a Casino for a few years.
Now I have read that the last performance in the Kurzaal before falling into bankruptcy was by the Rolling Stones in the summer of 1964. Dutchman told me about this event as well.
It was the first concert of the Stones outside the UK and their shortest as well lasting only for 20 minutes. Watch here: Rolling Stones at the Kurhaus 1964. The audience went wild throwing beer bottles and what not. Chaos then ensued that security had to drag the Stones out of the building for safety. I guess this is the birth of rock ‘n roll in the Netherlands. Progressive rock bands such as the Golden Earring soon emerged, and of course Herman Brood.
Nevertheless, Kurhaus went into a spiralling kaput and was only saved from being knocked down when the building was listed as a historical building and renovated by the new management who took over. It is now a 5 star hotel, although it looked more like a grand palace on the beach to me.
Strangely enough, I have been to Scheveningen many times but never really made a visit inside the Kurhaus. I guess the boulevard, the beach and the beach clubs were more tempting?
I also cannot help but remember Blondine. I miss her a lot you know.
We made a pact, together with another friend that we will have High Tea (this is the Afternoon Tea version in the Netherlands) at the Waves Restaurant in the Kurhaus. We never made it to here until her passing last April. So every time I think about the Kurhaus now, I think of Blondine. She was so ecstatic about the idea as she has not visited the Kurhaus yet as well. Her own words were, “OK – Deal!”
So last summer I decided to quickly visit the Kurhaus while I leave the Dutchman snoozing away at the Cocomo Beach Club. Maybe to make peace with myself?
Firstly, for not being able to peek inside this grand, opulent and palatial building from the outside, after so many years of visiting this beach town in The Hague. You know, I adore grand architecture and designs.
Secondly, to feel, even for just a little bit, more closer again to Blondine and be in the moment of what we have wonderfully shared together for the last 8 years -- the love for living and enjoying the good life, to the fullest.
Here is a blog post I made back in 2009 when we went here in Scheveningen to eat our favourite seafood treat and relax at the beach front, Fruits de Mer at Doen Beach Club (click on link).
The Kurhaus taken from the Pier.
The Kurzaal which is where many concerts (yup the shortest act of the Rolling Stones was played here), parties and festivals are held, even up to now.
The beautiful paintings on the ceiling by Van Hoeck, an artist from Brussels.
Going to the Conservatory from the Kurzaal where events and parties can also take place.
The Kurhaus up close and personal.
The views from the terrace of the Waves Restaurant. Blondine would have preferred to sit here at the terrace for the High Tea.
Travel Period: August 2016
Destination: Scheveningen, The Hague (South Holland), the Netherlands
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