De Zwarte Madonna, Modernist residential structure in The Hague, Netherlands
De Zwarte Madonna is a residential complex in The Hague with a distinctive black facade made of ceramic tiles. The structure contains several hundred apartments in different sizes, shops on the ground level, and an integrated parking garage.
The complex was designed in 1985 by architect Carel Weeber as part of urban development for the Spuikwartier district. Its construction came at a time of major changes in housing design and reflected new ideas in European architecture.
The building expressed a new design approach that wanted to merge living spaces with everyday materials. Its dark surface and straight lines shaped the cityscape and showed how architects in the 1980s thought about practicality.
The building is visible from various points in the city and easily reached on foot. Visitors should note that it is a private residential complex, and only the exterior facade and public access areas are available to explore.
The rounded southern corner of the structure was specifically shaped to avoid blocking a passing tram line. This practical solution shows how architects integrated urban challenges into their designs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
