Winter wonderland, exceptional objects at Hotel Des Indes
THE HAGUE — The Salon returns to Hotel Des Indes from 3 to 6 December 2026 for its third edition. Around 40 carefully selected exhibitors from the Netherlands and abroad will present jewellery, art, vintage pieces, decorative objects and fine furniture. A programme of talks, together with opportunities for emerging makers, will invite visitors to look beyond the objects themselves and discover the craftsmanship, histories and ideas behind them.
For The Salon’s founder, Nadia Simak, the fascination began early. An old piece of furniture could capture her attention as readily as an unusual book or a work of art. Who had made it? Where had it come from? What could it reveal about another time or its previous owner?
A Personal Curiosity
She later recognised this same curiosity in the writings of philosopher Roger Scruton and art critic John Berger. Their work gave expression to something she had long felt: noticing and appreciating beauty requires attention.
The Salon grew from this belief. Inspired by the salons of the nineteenth century, Simak created a place where makers, collectors and specialists could meet, exchange knowledge and share stories that might otherwise remain untold.
“Some people have knowledge and true passion for their craft accumulated over many years that you simply cannot find in a book. I want The Salon to give them a place to share it and pass on their fascination to those eager to receive it. If we do not pass that knowledge on, we risk losing it. And that would be such a shame.”
— Nadia Simak, founder of The Salon
A Considered Selection
Exhibitors from the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain and Belgium will be among those participating in The Winter Salon. Participation is by invitation, with selection based on authenticity, cultural significance, originality and craftsmanship.
Historical and contemporary pieces will be presented alongside one another, bringing different disciplines and generations into conversation. For Simak, these encounters are central to The Salon: they allow visitors to look beyond an object’s appearance and learn from those who have made, studied or collected it.
Knowledge Worth Sharing
The talks programme explores jewellery through its history, influences and human connections. Jewellery historian Kim van Zweeden will present Weird and Wonderful Jewellery, while Martijn Akkerman will speak on Juwelen & Mensen (Jewels & People). Belgian jewellery historian Céline Rose David will examine India’s influence on European jewellery in From Maharajas to Maisons, and Julia Bocanet will present Forgotten Jewels.
For each talk, The Salon will reserve a number of places for students in relevant fields, giving a new generation access to specialist knowledge.
When Beauty Serves a Purpose
The Winter Salon opens on Thursday, 3 December, with the Opening Fellows’ Dinner and a charity auction. Each exhibitor will contribute two special pieces, some created especially for the occasion and others selected from their own collections.
A Winter Wonderland at Hotel Des Indes
For its December edition, the historic rooms of Hotel Des Indes will take on a festive character. An enchanted forest, complemented by touches of real gold and gemstones, will provide the setting for The Winter Salon, adding a touch of seasonal magic to the hotel’s grand interiors.
For information: www.thesalonevents.com
Admission: Early bird: €16, including champagne
advance tickets: €20
on the door: €25
