Louwman Museum, The Hague.

Even before stepping inside, the Louwman Museum’s remarkable collection exudes an aura of excellence, signalling its status as a true museum. Nestled in the charming city of The Hague, Netherlands, the museum’s grand and refined architectural masterpiece is surrounded by a park meticulously designed by a landscape architect, a testament to Erbert Louwman’s appreciation for beauty. Each car and object showcased within this museum is transformed into a singular work of art, reflecting the owner’s devotion to refined perfection.

Louwman Museum

The collection, now in its third generation of the Louwman family. Originating in the 1930s through the vision of Erbert’s father, a prominent car dealer and importer in the Netherlands, the collection and family business have passed seamlessly from father to son. Today, even Erbert’s daughter Quirina actively participates in the activities, competing in demanding historic races like Le Mans Classic behind the wheel of the museum’s iconic Lotus and Jaguar cars.

To fully enjoy the visit to the museum, it is advisable to pay attention to the details of what is on display. For example, observing the upholstery and interiors of the Deco models, admiring the “radiator mascots” of numerous exhibited cars or those displayed in cases. Then there are the cars, perfectly preserved, like the 1903 Spyker 60HP, proudly representing the Dutch automotive history and the world’s first car with four-wheel drive and four-wheel brakes. Among the past treasures, even the world’s first hybrid is exhibited: a kind of horseless carriage with a combustion engine and electric motor. Proof of the old saying that everything has already been invented!

The history of the automobile is the true theme of the museum, where equal attention and dignity are given to the many magnificent micro-cars and utility vehicles that populate a specific area, as well as several prototypes by renowned coachbuilders. And then there are some of the most extraordinary examples of endurance racing cars in history: among the most admired and photographed pieces are the blue Ecurie Ecosse D-Type, the winner of the 1957 Le Mans 24 Hours, the Maserati 300S, and the extremely rare 1953 Lancia sport D23.

In the world of cinema, where fashion reigns supreme, certain vehicles attain iconic status. Among them, the Aston Martin DB5, complete with an array of defence and attack gadgets used to great effect by James Bond stands proud. Similar examples from various eras, immortalized in famous films, also grace the museum’s halls.

The charm of the Netherlands, the refined magic of The Hague, are embodied in Erbert Louwman’s Museum, making it a unique and unmissable attraction.