Two centuries of education and innovation 

Founded in 1826, the Royal Conservatoire is the oldest arts academy in the Netherlands. What began as craft-based vocational training has grown into a broad learning environment where artistic excellence, collaboration, and innovation meet. 

At its founding, the City of The Hague provided the premises in the former patrician house of Nederburgh at the corner of Hoge Westeinde and Vleersteegh, along with an annual subsidy of 1,200 guilders to support operations. This arrangement lasted until 1840, when the school moved to the building of the Academy of Drawing and Architecture on Prinsessegracht. 

From its start, the conservatory's foundational curricula centered on instrumental and vocal studies, including piano, violin, voice, music theory, and composition, alongside orchestral training to foster professional musicianship.

The Hague as a collaborative classroom and stage 

The anniversary year opens on 4 March 2026. Hundreds of students perform at unexpected locations across The Hague – including in public spaces, hospitals, and at the beach – turning the city into a stage. These performances reflect how students gain real-world experience during their studies and contribute to the city’s cultural life. 

On 8 April 2026, Jubilee Night brings all departments together in one joint production at Amare. Under the artistic direction of Sjaron Minailo, with choreographers Andrea Leine and Harijono Roebana, music and dance students collaborate across disciplines.