The History of Nassaulaan 23
A Building Worth Miniaturizing
We’re proud to call this building our home, and even prouder to introduce it as a miniature house, capturing the character and story of Nassaulaan 20–23 in porcelain form.
It’s more than a building; it’s a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and timeless Dutch design.
Nassaulaan 20–23, The Hague
Nestled in the heart of The Hague lies a striking 19th-century building that now houses Global Factories.
This elegant corner property at Nassaulaan 20–23 isn’t just our workplace, it’s a piece of Dutch royal history.
A Royal Beginning
Our building was commissioned in 1846 by King Willem II as part of an ambitious urban plan to create a stately neighborhood for his royal court. The Nassaulaan became part of this grand vision, a tree-lined street filled with symmetrical, Tudor-inspired mansions, just steps away from the royal stables and Willemspark.
Built to Impress
Completed in 1847, Nassaulaan 20–23 was originally four separate homes, designed in the Willem II-Gothic style, a Dutch take on English Tudor architecture. Yellow brick façades, pointed gables, bay windows, and decorative pinnacles gave the street a distinctive and prestigious character that still stands out today.
The corner house, now number 23, was made slightly taller and more prominent, emphasizing its role as a visual anchor for the row of eleven stately homes.
Craftsmanship & Details
Behind the graceful façades, you’ll find richly ornamented interiors:
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Marble fireplaces and staircases
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Decorative ceilings in neo-classical and rococo styles
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Stained-glass accents and detailed woodwork
Many original elements have been carefully preserved, blending 19th-century elegance with modern functionality.
National Monument Status
In 1967, the entire building was officially designated a Rijksmonument (national heritage monument) due to its unique architecture, its royal origins, and its role in one of the earliest examples of planned urban development in the Netherlands.
Did You Know?
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The homes were once built to house high-ranking royal court officials.
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The decorative elements on the façade, like the corner buttresses and pinnacles, were inspired by the architecture of Oxford, where King Willem II once studied.
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Behind the back wall lies a former canal, the Schelpkade, now a quiet street with gardens and parking.