Experience Vermeer
Delft's most famous is of course the Girl with a Pearl Earring by Delft master painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675)
Visit Vermeer in Delft: discover the master and his city
All about Johannes Vermeer, his paintings and the places in Delft where you can experience his art and life
Johannes Vermeer, the 17th-century master of light, spent his entire life in Delft. Of the 45 or so paintings he created, 37 can still be admired worldwide - each one unique and full of secrets.
Vermeer is one of history's most intriguing artists. His extraordinary technique and subtle use of colour continue to fascinate art lovers and researchers alike. In Delft, you can really discover and experience his city, where Vermeer's life becomes visible in the streets, buildings and museums.
Want to experience his story? Dive into Vermeer's world and discover the places that inspired him.
Back in the days of Johannes Vermeer
In 1632, Johannes Vermeer was born in prosperous Delft, a bustling city in the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. His father, Reynier Vermeer, was an art dealer and art lover, so Johannes grew up surrounded by paintings, pigments and brushes. His great talent for painting was apparent from an early age, and his father encouraged him to follow this passion.
At the age of 21, Johannes married Catharina Bolnes and the young couple settled in Delft. Here, Vermeer began creating his extraordinary paintings, capturing scenes of everyday life and portraits. His work is characterised by an unparalleled eye for detail and a masterful command of light and colour.
Delft, with its picturesque canals and beautiful historical buildings, was an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Vermeer. The city formed the backdrop for many of his masterpieces, including the famous "View of Delft," in which he captured his beloved city in all its beauty.
Walking through the historic centre of Delft, past the Old and Nieuwe Kerk, along the canals and past the stately mansions, you will almost walk into a Vermeer painting. The city takes you back to the 17th century and lets you experience the life of the master up close.
Experience the city of the master painter - Our Vermeer tips
-
Vermeer Centrum Delft
Vermeer Centrum Delft
The Vermeer Centrum Delft is the only place where you can admire the entire oeuvre of the Delft master.
-
Vermeer walk
Vermeer walk
During the Vermeer walk you will pass locations that played an important role in Vermeer's life
-
The Little Street
The Little Street
Admire the streets of Delft in the 17th century.
-
Mauritshuis
Mauritshuis
Are you staying longer in Delft? Then a visit to theMauritshuisin The Hague is a must.
-
Vermeer and his contemporaries
Vermeer and his contemporaries
Delft has many more famous Delfters from the 17th century who did extraordinary things.
Discover more from Vermeer - Admire View of Delft
Step back in time and admire the beautiful view that Vermeer managed to capture centuries ago in his painting Gezicht op Delft (View of Delft). The combination of light and shadow, the impressive cloudy sky and the reflections on the water make this work an absolute must-see!
And best of all, you can still admire it in real life today on the Hooikade in Delft. Travel back in time with an innovative viewer and see what Johannes Vermeer saw when he worked on his painting. You will also find a reproduction of the famous waterfront painting and learn more about it with a handy information panel and special story banks.
We are Delft
A work of art of 110,851 puppets for and through the city
In the heart of Delft, where history meets creativity, artist René Jacobs is working on a special project: We are Delft. Inspired by Vermeer's famous View of Delft, a work of art is being created consisting of 110,851 small dolls, as many as the city's population on 15 December 2025. Each puppet symbolises a citizen of Delft, from young to old, from student to entrepreneur.
The project is an ode to the diversity of Delft and emphasises the power of community at a time when connection is more important than ever. On 15 December 2025, exactly 350 years after Vermeer's death, the artwork will be festively unveiled at the Vermeer Centrum Delft.
Read more about this special project
Vermeer Recycle Project
In 2023, the Discover Vermeer's Delft campaign launched, enriching the city with modern photographic interpretations of Vermeer's iconic paintings, such as 'Girls with Pearl', captured by photographer Caroline Sikkenk.
After the success of the campaign, the idea arose to give the used flag fabric a new life. In collaboration with sewing studio Stichting Stunt in Delft, known for their skill in upcycling, cool bags were made from it. In addition, six contemporary fashion designers transformed the banners into fabulous designs.
Discover the designs
