Postcard from Den Haag

The Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) in Den Haag (a.k.a. The Hague or 's-Gravenhage) was built in the middle ages as a palace for the counts of Holland, and is now used for the opening of the parliamentary year and official receptions by the Queen, the government, and parliament. It is an icon of Dutch democracy, and a must-see for visitors of Den Haag.

This venerable hall has not always been so: During the 18th and 19th century it was used for a lot of less-than-venerable purposes, including (from 1726 to 1855) the draw for the national lottery (which, incidentally, still exists). The caption of this postcard is Loterijzaal, Lottery Hall. Apparently it was still known as such when this card was printed.

The card never ran and has no date marks, but I guess it was printed at the beginning of the 20th century.