International Friends - The Artistry of Perfume

20 apr 2026, 18:00 - 20:15
Mauritshuis

Let op: Dit evenement is in het Engels, georganiseerd door de International Friends of the Mauritshuis

The International Friends are delighted to invite you to a special interactive presentation that brings together the sensory pleasures of perfume and the beauty of floral paintings. The event will take place in the Mauritshuis on Monday 20 April from 18:00 to 20:15. This unique evening is presented by the Hague-based niche perfumery Celeste Parfums in collaboration with the eighteenth-century perfume house Houbigant.

Founded in 1775, Houbigant is one of the oldest perfume houses in the world, creating Quelques Fleurs in 1912 which is among the first fragrances to capture the complexity of an entire floral bouquet. Inspired by the renowned floral paintings in the Mauritshuis, the presentation will explore the artistry of flowers in both paint and perfumery. Guests will experience a range of fragrances while learning about the major fragrance families, the intertwined history of floral art and perfumery, and the evolution of this refined olfactory art form.

We are especially pleased to welcome Consuelo Perris – from the renowned Italian perfume family that acquired the Houbigant brand in 2005 – who will share insights into the future of the perfume house and its iconic creations.

Program

18:00 Meet in the Brasserie (Plein 29, The Hague) for drinks and light bites
18:45 Interactive presentation in the Nassauzaal, Mauritshuis
19:30 Tea & coffee palate cleanser
19:45 Presentation resumes
20:15 Evening closes

Cost: €30 International & Dutch Friends, €35 Guests

To ensure the best possible experience, we kindly ask participants to refrain from wearing any perfume or aftershave, so that competing scents do not interfere with the interactive part of this presentation.

The number of participants for this event is strictly limited. To reserve places, please send an email to [email protected] along with the names of the people for whom you wish to reserve places.

Become our friend

As a Friend, you are indispensable to the Mauritshuis. Thanks to your support, we can continue to share the collection, both now and in the future.

With the support of our Friends, magnificent works have been added to our collection, such as this masterpiece by Clara Peeters Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds, and Pretzels, 1615. The Friends also contribute to special exhibitions, including Facelifts & Makeovers (2021).

In return for this friendship, we are happy to offer something in return. As a Friend, you always have free access to the Mauritshuis, and we organize special Friend openings. You receive our magazine, and you have access to various activities, including the mentioned lecture. Additionally, you always enjoy a 10% discount in our museum shop.