Constantijn Huygens (1596-1687) was a fascinating, versatile man. Counselor of the princes of Orange and in his spare time a skilled practitioner of art and science. You can admire the life and works of Huygens at Hofwijck, the partly beautifully preserved country estate in Voorburg.
Constantijn Huygens had Hofwijck constructed according to his own design, a harmonious environment to which he retired when he wanted to escape the hustle and bustle and political turbulence of life in The Hague. Constantijn’s son Christiaan Huygens, the world-famous scientist, also lived and worked at Hofwijck.