150 years of Mata Hari may - august

Een bronzen standbeeld van Mata Hari Leeuwarden Mata Hari Grote Kerkstraat

This summer, Leeuwarden is celebrating a very special milestone: the 150th birthday of Margaretha Zelle, the Leeuwarden-born woman better known as Mata Hari. The world-famous femme fatale mastered the art of seduction and used her charm and intelligence to gain access to the highest political and military circles in the early twentieth century. But she was far more than a mysterious beauty who knew how to use her allure to her advantage. Mata Hari lived life on her own terms. Although she never described herself as an outspoken feminist, she is widely regarded as a free-spirited woman who was far ahead of her time. On 7 August 2026, it will be exactly 150 years since Mata Hari was born. And when it's your birthday, it's time to celebrate. That's why Leeuwarden is marking the occasion in style this summer. From 23 May to 7 August 2026, the city will pay tribute to the woman whose name travelled the world and who remains, to this day, Leeuwarden's most famous and intriguing resident.

See and experience - ongoing

The official opening of 150 Years of Mata Hari took place on 23 May. Mata Hari's story can now be experienced throughout the city. Experience – or rather, truly immerse yourself in – the world of Mata Hari at her birthplace on De Kelders, visit the mini exhibition at the railway station (open 24/7)), put your spy skills to the test at the Visitor Center, or discover the campaign artwork created by Leeuwarden-based designers and illustrators. Ready to follow in Mata Hari's footsteps?

  • Mini Expo Central Station

    In 2017, the Fries Museum’s exhibition “Mata Hari – the Myth and the Girl” was a great success. With this popup exhibition, the museum presents the true story of Mata Hari. 

    Mini Expo Central Station

  • Echoes of Mata Hari

    Don't just experience Mata Hari's story – feel it. In her birthplace, where she once gazed out over the streets of Leeuwarden, KROFT&Smids brings her remarkable life to life through an immersive light installation. Reserve your free tickets here.

    Echoes of Mata Hari

  • Spy treasure hunt for kids

    Becoming a better spy than Mata Hari isn't all that difficult. But earning a real spy passport? That's a different story. First, you'll have to prove yourself. Follow the treasure hunt, solve the puzzles and show that you've got what it takes to become a top spy. 

    Spy treasure hunt for kids Oldehove

  • Mata Hari: then and now

    Also on display at the Visitor Center is a fascinating exhibition featuring the campaign artwork created by talented designers and illustrators from Leeuwarden. The exhibition can be visited during the Visitor Center's opening hours, 7 days a week. 

    Mata Hari: then and now

The programme

The story behind the myth

Born in the city centre of Leeuwarden, she went on to become a name that captures the imagination worldwide. Mata Hari is shrouded in stories, rumours and secrets, from her childhood to her life as a dancer and the speculation that turned her into a legend. But where did it all begin? In this blog, you can read all about Mata Hari’s life.

Read the blog!

Delve into history

Divorced woman, mother, rebel, dancer, double agent… If you want to delve into history and find out everything there is to know about Mata Hari, you’ve come to the right place. Various providers are organising fantastic walking tours in the run-up to and during the 150th anniversary of Mata Hari. The guides from LeeuwardenTour bring Mata Hari’s childhood to life. From her birthplace on De Kelders to the classrooms she once sat in on Grote Kerkstraat, you’ll literally be walking through the setting of her early years. On Friday 7 August, you can not only enjoy a lovely walk but also attend a special lecture. 

Together with the guides from A Guide to Leeuwarden, you’ll visit the places where she lived, find out who her best friend was, and discover where she went to school. You’ll also visit the places that played a role in her later life, such as the theatre and the prison. This tour was originally created in 2017 for the Mata Hari exhibition at the Fries Museum. Since then, the guides from A Guide to Leeuwarden have led thousands of people in the footsteps of Mata Hari. On 23 May – during the opening of the 150th anniversary of Mata Hari – this tour will be offered three times free of charge. 

Campaign visuals created by local makers

Mata Hari was freespirited, emancipated, headstrong, and incredibly courageous. Eight artists from Leeuwarden use different artistic disciplines to show how a woman like Mata Hari might look today. The exhibition can be admired in the Visitor Center and features works by Nanna de Jong, Chevanna Smit, Annabel Adema, Joao de Rosario, Marleen Stoelwinder, Wytze Hoogslag, Merel Kuitert, and Melda Wibawa. 

On display in the Visitor Center from 23 May.

Restaurants - a bite to eat

Need a little break in the meantime? Make a day of it in Leeuwarden. Enjoy lunch at Barzelle, settle in for an evening of shared dining at De Gouverneur, and round off your day with a cocktail at Garage Modern.

Bar Zelle

This welcoming, intimate spot in the heart of the city centre, is perfect for coffee, freshly made sandwiches, pizzas, and small bites. 

Reserve your table

 

Bar Zelle Leeuwarden

Gouverneur

The place in Leeuwarden where flavours from around the world come together. Set in a beautiful historic building, De Gouverneur serves shared dining dishes, carefully selected wines and irresistible desserts

Reserve your table

 

Garage Modern

Shared dining, relaxed brunches with cocktails, and dancing until the early hours — at Garage Modern, it’s all on the menu. 

Reserve your table

 

Garage Modern Leeuwarden

Mata Hari - specials

To celebrate 150 years of Mata Hari, various local businesses are offering unique Mata Hari–themed creations. Enjoy a Matcha Hari at Anne&Max, a Mata Hari grilled sandwich at Proefverlof, and many other delicious creations. Definitely worth a taste. 

  • Mata Hari Ice Cream

    On a warm day, there’s always room for ice cream. And if you’re going to treat yourself, why not try a flavour you won’t find anywhere else? To celebrate 150 Years of Mata Hari, La Venezia created a unique combination of Frisian sugar bread and pandan, inspired by the time Mata Hari spent on Java. Trust us, this one’s worth a taste.

    Taste it taste it
    Mata Hari Ice Cream

  • Mata Hari tosti

    Out on the water and looking for a delicious lunch stop? Moor up at Proefverlof and try the Mata Hari Tosti – filled with a Dutch croquette, sambal and cheese. The perfect combination, if you ask us! 

    Proefverlof let's go!
    Mata Hari tosti

  • Mata Hari Monkfish

    How do you turn Mata Hari’s story into a dish? Restaurant Eindeloos has the answer. Created especially for the anniversary, this special dish is inspired by the flavours of Java, where Mata Hari spent an important part of her life. Expect monkfish, fragrant spices and a rich shellfish laksa. So popular, it’s staying on the menu for the rest of the year.

    Delicious!
    Mata Hari Monkfish

Good to know - info

  • Visitor Center

    Visitor Center

    Pressing questions? Then visit Leeuwarden's tourist information centre: the Visitor Center. Our staff are here to help 7 days a week. 

    Bezoek ons

  • Public transport + parking

    Station

    Visiting Leeuwarden for a day, a weekend, or a whole week? It’s always useful to know the best way to get here. 

    Getting here

  • City map

    Leeuwarden op hoogte

    Need a toilet urgently? Use our City Map to quickly find an iepen húske — a public  restroom. Lost? City Map. Looking for highlights? City Map

    City map

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