THE HAGUE.- Imagine if the stoic subjects of classic paintings could talk. Well, at the Mauritshuis, one famous bovine is about to do just that! The museum is unveiling a brand-new, six-part podcast series, "The Mysteries of the Mauritshuis: The Bull," designed to whisk young listeners (ages 8 and up) on an audio adventure through art history.

Paulus Potter's majestic masterpiece, The Bull, is stepping out of its gigantic canvas and, along with his quirky companions Frog and Maurits Mouse, embarking on a time-traveling journey. Get ready for tales of centuries-old escapades, all in a fun and exciting format perfect for car rides, train trips, or even a lazy day at home.

"We want to offer children an alternative to screen time," explains Martine Gosselink, Director of the Mauritshuis. "Kids can put on their headphones and just drift away, listening to The Bull's powerful voice."

From Potter's Studio to the Louvre and Beyond

The series kicks off in the painter's studio, but the trio's adventures quickly span time and place, taking them to an auction house, a grand palace, and even the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris, where The Bull once hung and, famously, sustained a significant tear.

Today, the painting is safely back at the Mauritshuis in The Hague, where it's currently undergoing a live restoration, visible to museum visitors. This means kids can listen to the podcast, then come face-to-face with the very subject of the story – before, during, or after his epic tale!

"We've really experienced some crazy stuff!" is a line you might not expect from a 17th-century painting, but it sets the adventurous tone for the series. The first episode of The Mysteries of the Mauritshuis: The Bull is available from early July on all major podcast platforms.

Meeting a Growing Need: Podcasts for Kids

The Mauritshuis isn't just telling a great story; they're also tapping into a clear demand. Research by Abel Studio's (who produced the podcast) in 2024 revealed that 40% of children aged 8 to 12 want to listen to more podcasts, even if they're not sure which ones. This comes at a time when only 5% of current podcasts are actually created for kids.

Parents are actively seeking screen-time alternatives, with 70% looking for suitable options. The research also showed that 75% of kids listen to podcasts during holidays and outings, making The Bull's adventures an ideal companion for summer travels.

This unique initiative by the Mauritshuis is made possible with the support of Lely, an international family business in the agricultural sector. Lely is contributing to the research and preservation of Potter's masterpiece, ensuring future generations can also enjoy The Bull – both on canvas and in captivating audio.