National Archives

The National Archives is the largest archival institution in the Netherlands. Citizens' right to information is our top priority. We provide all citizens with access to the information they need. Therefore, we support government agencies in consciously handling the information they create, managing it sustainably, and making it publicly available. The National Archives has existed for over 200 years. With more than 142 kilometers of paper archives, 300,000 maps and drawings, over 15 million photographs, and 1.2 million gigabytes of digital files, the National Archives makes history accessible to everyone. At the National Archives, you can view, research, and revisit these authentic sources. This gives us insight into our past and helps us understand how society is evolving. Together with other archives and government organizations, we ensure that today's information remains accessible to citizens, both now and in the distant future. Transparency and openness of information are more important than ever. As a center of expertise, the National Archives is therefore eager to use its knowledge and experience to improve information management in government organizations. In this way, the National Archives aims to connect with citizens and provide them with the best possible service in accessing information. Information from the archives is available innovatively and customized, online and on-site at our buildings in The Hague and Emmen. The archives are also used for exhibitions (at the National Archives and elsewhere) and for a broad educational program.