De+Verdieping+van+Nederland

=The Hague=

De Verdieping van Nederland
De Verdieping van Nederland also known as The Legacy of the Netherlands, Floor of the Netherlands or The Story of the Netherlands is a joint venture from the Royal (National) Library or Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB) and the National Archives of the Netherlands based in The Hague. It is an exhibition that shows 1,000 years of the Netherlands history based on its masterpieces. The permanent exhibition displayed highlights from both collections. The other documents displayed are changed every 3 months. The exhibition opened in 2005.

These books and documents are in a room between the Royal (National) Library and the National Archives, where they are housed and showcased. Each cabinet with a document or book has a touchscreen. The object is illustrated and has more background information on the item shows on the case. There are a large number of items and it gives an atmosphere of treasure. With over 40 showcases, it allows the visitors to wander and uses various forms of media such as lights sounds and touch screens. Because of the great value of the items on exhibit, the security of the cases is some of the most secure in the Netherlands. One of the items that was on display was the peace treaty of Munster with Spain. This document marked the end of the 80 year Dutch independence that ended in 1648 and the original sales document of the Dutch purchase of Manhattan from the Indians. The only piece on permanent display is the Treaty of Peace of Westphalia where Spain formally recognizes the independence of the Dutch Republic in 1648.

It is an amazing opportunity to be able to come so close to artifacts that hold such important books and documents that played such a role in the Dutch cultural heritage. It also includes a video presentation that plays on the surface of a wall in the building. The semi-permanent and constantly changing in composition exhibition is accessible seven days a week. This exhibition links the architecture and collections of both the institutions that turns learning Dutch history into an amazing experience.