Opening of a new Delft icon: 'The Innovation Gallery
Delft, 18 February 2026 - Delft has added a new crowd puller. In the Blue House of Delft, "The Innovation Gallery" was opened last Wednesday. The festive opening was performed by mayor Alexander Pechtold, together with artist Noor Stenfert Kroese and initiator and owner Chris Oomen. It coincided with the opening of the theme year 'The robots are coming' and the Highlight Festival Delft. "Three double festivities" said Pechtold. Big crowd-pleasers on display include Mycogravity by Noor Stenfert Kroese and Robotic Couture dresses by Anouk Wipprecht, which make robotics literally visible in the city.
A year of encounters with robots
The robots are coming shows how robotics is influencing our lives and invites everyone to join in, discover and discuss. In 2026, Delft will transform into a large stage with installations and artworks in public spaces, exhibitions, workshops, talks and performances. Robotics will become understandable, tangible and fun for a wide audience. The programme can be viewed at therobotsarecoming.info. All kinds of parties in the city are working together such as the TU Delft Robotics Institute, TU Delft Science Centre, Innovation District Delft, culture makers, educational institutions and entrepreneurs. Delft Marketing is coordinating this programme.
The Innovation Gallery, an inspiring stage
Designed by Studio Job, The Innovation Gallery provides a beautiful stage for the innovations of Delft companies and organisations. The space is decorated like a construction site, including hand-woven carpets on the walls and ceiling and a bulldozer suspended above the visitors. According to the initiators, the gallery should be a place where visitors can find inspiration and learn about technological and creative developments from the city.
The Innovation Gallery's strength is formed by the cooperation of the partners: Deltares, dsm-firmenich, Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Reinier de Graaf group, Royal Delft, TNO and TU Delft in collaboration with the Huis van Delft and Delft Marketing.
Free to visit
"The Innovation Gallery" can be visited free of charge from Monday to Saturday via the entrance of VVV Delft at Houttuinen 6.
