Season 1

The Binnenhof is being renovated. For five years, the house of our democracy will be closed off from the outside world, but not for everyone. During the years of renovation, Splinter Chabot closely follows developments. Every wall, every roof tile, every building is a story in itself; political, historical and architectural. Cultural, parliamentary and art historical anecdotes are discussed with key players from then and now. In the meantime, we experience up close how the eight-century-old complex reveals its secrets. Every quarter there will be an update on the renovation of our parliamentary house via Splinter.

For the first time ever, The Binnenhof is closed off. And it will be for at least five years. Prominent former politicians Hans Wiegel and Jeltje van Nieuwenhoven are returning to their old workplace. Hans Wiegel would like to see the turret again, while it is still in use. Presenter Splinter Chabot also visits the last residents of the Binnenhof. Until not so long ago, people lived on next to the Senate. While important matters were being voted on, the lady of the house hung the clean laundry out the window.

The renovation of the Binnenhof is about to start. Everything that cannot be removed is protected. Historic stairs and floors are covered with wood and the facades are inspected. Sigrid Kaag, Gerrit Zalm and Thom de Graaf talk about their memories. Architect Janneke Bierman shares her plans.

Splinter goes in search of the secrets of the Binnenhof; secret discussions, hidden symbolism and archaeological treasures. Prime Minister Mark Rutte shares his memories from the Torentje with Splinter. Political commentator Joost Vullings explains how he tries to unravel the conversations in The Hague. Photographer Bart Maat looks back on the 'function elsewhere' photo with Splinter. In the meantime, the Binnenhof is becoming emptier and emptier and archaeological and architectural treasures are coming to the surface. Splinter looks around the art depot, among other things.