Optical illusions, impossible architecture, matchless tessellations, infinite landscapes, masterful metamorphoses. That could only be one artist: M.C. Escher. On 17 June 2023, it will be 125 years since Escher (1898-1972) was born. Of course, this will be celebrated with a party at Escher in het Paleis! Will you join the party?
Escher in Het Paleis has put together a birthday programme with something fun for everyone. In front of the palace door you will already find an Escher surprise and inside everything is also dedicated to his birthday. In addition, you can of course enjoy the exhibition The discoverer of Escher: Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita about Escher's bond with his teacher. Please note that some parts are free and others have a separate price. See the website for more information.
Programme 17 June
09.30 - 11.00 Guided tour for the blind and visually impaired
To allow visitors with a visual impairment to also experience Escher's work, this morning there will be a special guided tour of the exhibition The Discoverer of Escher: Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita. In it, you will learn about the works of art in an interactive way through tactile objects and reliefs. The normal entrance fee is charged for this guided tour Accompanying persons may enter free of charge, but they must however book this free ticket via the ticket page.
10:15 - 11:00 Lecture and signing session Joris Escher
This spring saw the publication of the book Becoming Escher, written by Joris Escher, M.C. Escher's second cousin. In it, he goes on a journey of discovery to the origins of his great uncle's fascinations. Joris Escher takes the reader from Haarlem to Italy, from Japan and China to Canada, and from Spain back to Dutch Baarn. On this day, Joris will be present at Escher in Het Paleis, where he will talk at length in the ballroom about the literary quest for his great uncle. Afterwards, there will be a signing session. The book is available in the Palace shop. The reading is free for visitors with an admission ticket. However, reservation is necessary.
12.00 - 16.00 Live demonstration of graphic techniques
Escher was a graphic artist, but what exactly does that entail? And how does it work? In the ballroom, you can see and hear more about a number of graphic techniques Escher used, such as wood and linocuts. Artist Inge Aanstoot talks about them and gives live demonstrations. You can then get to work yourself in the linoleum workshop! Free for visitors with an entrance ticket.
12.00 - 16.00 lino-cutting workshop
Would you like to get to know graphics and learn what makes M.C. Escher's work so special? During the lino cutting workshop, you will get to work and create your own graphic work. This workshop uses a registration form, as there is a maximum number of people who can work at the same time. The form is posted next to the door of the workshop. Tickets: free for visitors with an entrance ticket.
'Throughout 2023, The Hague will be dominated by M.C. Escher'
Programme 18 and 23 June
10.30 - 12.00 Guided tour with workshop 'Draw your own tessellation'
Escher is one of the world's best-known graphic artists. He plays with perspective, space and reality in his work. Nothing is what it seems in his wonderful prints. During the guided tour, you will discover how Escher was inspired by his teacher Samuel Jessurun de Mesquita and, during his travels, by the enchanting mosaics in the Alhambra. In the workshop, you will 'crack' the code of Escher's infinite patterns and draw your own tessellation on paper.