Speech by Jan van Zanen at the opening of TRIBE, Den Haag Centraal, 31 March 2026

 

Good evening everyone,

Especially, General Manager, Robert Jan Buitehuis.

 

Thank you for the invitation to take part in the official opening of TRIBE Den Haag Centraal.

TRIBE is now the third name for this hotel building, which originally opened as the Pullman Hotel and later became the Mercure.

Naturally, I realize that a lot more has been done here than just changing the name.

In becoming a TRIBE hotel, the rooms and public areas have undergone a complete transformation.

From the outside the building still looks much as it did when it was first completed in 1987: azure blue, sleek and imposing.

 

The architect, Carel Weeber, who passed away last year, was a man of grand gestures.

He also provided the urban development plan for this district of The Hague, the Spui Quarter.

Because for decades this area had been an urban planning wasteland.

That this changed 40 years ago was due, not least, to the efforts of former councillor and honorary citizen, Adri Duivesteijn.

 

It is here that the cultural and administrative centre of The Hague has emerged since the mid-1980s.

Apart from this hotel, a concert hall and dance theatre were built, as well as a residential complex with an art house cinema and theatre.

And, of course, the city hall.

The original concert hall and dance theatre have since been replaced by Amare.

That now also houses the Royal Conservatoire making the cultural heart of our city beat even more strongly.

 

 

The Nieuwe Kerk, dating from 1656, forms a link with the historic city of The Hague.

It was also the final resting place of the great philosopher Spinoza.

Spinoza’s influential works on tolerance, ethics, freedom and democracy are directly relevant to The Hague today:

the heart of the Netherlands’ democracy and the city of peace and justice.

Where, despite the current climate, we uphold the international rule of law.

And where, every day, people are working to promote peace and justice worldwide.

 

Since the first Peace Conferences around 1900, international meetings are held in The Hague on a regular basis.

The biggest so far was last year’s NATO summit.

Hospitality, therefore, is very important to us, just as it is to you.

A good range of hotels forms an essential part of that.

Yet another reason to be pleased with this beautifully refurbished TRIBE hotel.

 

What stands out to me here, is how naturally the Dutch way of doing things aligns with TRIBE’s identity.

Efficient and practical, but always with room for creativity.

With an eye for quality and design, with no fuss.

Open, direct and community-focused.

And it is in that spirit that this hotel has a special role to play in this area:

as a natural link between cultural neighbours, such as Amare and the Filmhuis.

A place which brings together the energy of the Spuiplein, while underlining the rich cultural diversity of this area.

 

I understand that some Dutch ambassadors stayed here earlier this year, who had come to The Hague for their annual conference.

Much to their satisfaction, I understand.

And many civil servants who do not live in our city, also find their way to this hotel.

In search of a comfortable bed after yet another long city council meeting going on until well past midnight…

 

The TRIBE hotel offers guests ‘a room with a view’.

And what a view: the mayor’s office…

What other hotel can make that claim?

While the mayor looks out onto Spuiplein and the TRIBE hotel.

 

With its distinctive grand staircase.

That staircase does not just provide access; it forms a physical link with the city, one which is intended to be used as such and as a place to linger.

At the top there is room for a high quality terrace, one with allure.

A place where local residents, culture lovers and guests can relax together.

A real meeting place for the neighbourhood, entirely in keeping with the community spirit of TRIBE and The Hague.

 

We wish you every success.

There is a well-known saying in Dutch: ‘a good neighbour is (always) better than a far away friend’.

We are delighted to have TRIBE as our new neighbour.

Thank you.