Paviljoen Welgelegen

Paviljoen Welgelegen is a neoclassical building in Haarlem with a grand facade facing the Haarlemmerhout park. The structure features Doric and Ionic columns, and symmetrical driveways are flanked by lion statues.

Built between 1786 and 1789 by banker Henry Hope, the building represents an important work of neoclassical architecture. It later served as a residence for King Louis Napoleon and subsequently for Princess Wilhelmina of Prussia.

The south wing displayed artworks from a large private collection and functioned as an early example of a museum space within a residence. This arrangement shows how wealthy owners of that time combined living and cultural appreciation under one roof.

The building now serves as the administrative headquarters for Noord-Holland province and can be viewed from outside. The surrounding park is open to the public and provides good views of the facade and the lion statues.

The grand interior staircase appears to be marble but actually conceals a wooden core, demonstrating skillful 18th-century illusion techniques. The interior decorations also draw inspiration from Pompeian archaeological discoveries that were fascinating people of that era.

Location: Haarlem

Inception: 1789

Address: Dreef 3

GPS coordinates: 52.37167,4.63111

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02