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.

Splinter Chabot follows the renovation of the Binnenhof. Unexpected archaeological finds and changes to design plans cause delays and resistance. Splinter discusses this with involved professionals, local residents and entrepreneurs. He also reminisces with BBB Member of Parliament Caroline van der Plas and speculates about a possible future in the Torentje.

Architects and contractors put together the puzzle for the design of the renovation. Together with Lilian Marijnissen, Splinter Chabot looks back on her time in the House of Representatives and visits the Chamber of Commerce. He also goes out with political journalist Jaïr Ferwerda, who collects anecdotes together with Splinter and really misses the Binnenhof as a workplace.

The Binnenhof is a symbol of a society, of a spirit of the times. Splinter Chabot talks about it with architect Pi de Bruijn, who was responsible for the major renovation of the House of Representatives in the 1980s and is now involved in the design of the new public entrance. Political reporter Merel Ek is the first guest to return to the Binnenhof with little nostalgia. According to her, the Binnenhof should have a completely different function. Together with Alexander Pechtold, Splinter Chabot looks back on the formation negotiations of 2017.

Architects Camiel Berns and Eric van Noord examine the former Hotel Central from 1911, part of the House of Representatives, during the renovation. Berns and Van Noord are determined to bring back the atmosphere of the past with a modern twist and show Splinter how they will do that. Color history researcher Judith Botan also hopes to restore the rooms in the former Ministry of Justice of the House of Representatives to their former glory and she tells Splinter about a special and very expensive wallpaper from that time. Splinter reminisces about the Binnenhof with VVD faction leader Ed Nijpels and Telegraaf journalist Sjuul Paradijs.

Minister Hugo de Jonge updates Splinter Chabot about the costs incurred and all the defects that have come to light. Splinter looks with architect Joep Mol at what the new public entrance to the Senate will look like. The public will soon walk under one of the most special ceilings of the Binnenhof. Together with former Senate Presidents Yvonne Timmerman-Buck and Ankie Broekers-Knol, Splinter wanders through the corridors of the Senate. Historian and theater maker Eveline van Rijswijk highlights various special women from the history of the Binnenhof.

The Binnenhof has said goodbye to its residents and the research phase can finally begin. Splinter looks back with former Binnenhof residents who said goodbye to their special time there. He walks through the building with architect Frank van der Vecht, among others, to see what is left of the original state of the building. Together with the former director general of the Government Information Service, he wanders through the most important rooms and discovers the most unique place to sleep in the Netherlands. He also visits the House of Representatives with former parliamentary reporter Ron Fresen and usher of the House of Representatives Sarah Baronete.

Why did Special Security Operations Coordinator Cor Ardon receive a letter from US President Barack Obama and what did it say? What does a canopy do in the attic of the Ridderzaal and what was the secret of Herman Tjeenk Willink in the formation of the first purple cabinet? Splinter Chabot shows how the renovation of the Binnenhof is progressing and how it is built on the turbulent foundations of the past.