To the museum

Planning a visit to Delft? What fun! Because there is plenty to do in terms of art, culture and science in our beautiful city.

Mister looks at paintings in the Museum Prinsenhof Delft Photo black girl with a pearl' by Dutch photographer Jenny Boot in the Vermeer Centrum Delft Inside the living room at Paul Tétar van Elven's Museum House

 

Discover the best museums in Delft: a day full of art, history and innovation

Planning a visit to Delft? Then be sure to visit one of the many museums in this historic city. Whether you are interested in the life of William of Orange, the world-famous painter Johannes Vermeer, the beautiful Delft blue ceramics, or the latest technological innovations at TU Delft - there is something for everyone.

Delft is a city full of history, culture and creative surprises. In Delft's museums, you will discover impressive art collections, fascinating historical stories and innovative exhibitions. Be inspired by the masterpieces of 17th-century painters such as Johannes Vermeer and Pieter de Hooch, and also discover the work of contemporary Delft artists who continue the tradition with modern influences.

Besides famous historical painters, Delft offers a vibrant art scene where talented contemporary artists show their creativity in changing exhibitions and galleries.

Curious to find out which museums you really shouldn’t miss during your visit to Delft?
Read on for our museum tips and plan your perfect cultural day out!

Museums in Delft

Royal Delft

Visit the Royal Delft Museum in Delft, the oldest active pottery factory in the Netherlands where the world-famous Delft Blue has been handmade since 1653. Learn all about the traditional production process, admire unique Delft Blue works of art and take part in creative workshops. After your visit, enjoy a delicious lunch or coffee in the atmospheric brasserie. The museum is easily accessible by car, bicycle and public transport. The place to be for everyone who wants to experience Delft Blue and Delft's rich history.

Plan your visit to the Royal Delft Museum
Mister paints a vase at Royal Delft In the Royal Delft Delft factory watching the steps of the Delft Blue production process

TU Delft Science Centre

Can you make a robot dance? At TU Delft Science Centre you will learn how! Discover the wonders of technology together with your child in the Techniekstudio. Or choose the Techniek Tour and explore the latest innovations.

Visit the Science Centre
Two boys looking at the work of an employee in the Techniek studio of the science centre Delft

Vermeer Centrum Delft

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is the only place in the world where you can admire Vermeer's entire oeuvre in full size (reproductions). Here you will discover everything about Vermeer's life, family, work and the city that inspired him so much.

The Delft master is most famous for his stunning rendering of sunlight. Step into the light studio and step into the shoes of the 17th-century painter for a moment and try to discover his secret.

Book your ticket to the Vermeer Centrum Delft here
Photo black girl with a pearl' by Dutch photographer Jenny Boot in the Vermeer Centrum Delft Lady looking at replica of the Girl with the Pearl Earring in the Vermeer Centrum Delft A couple delves into the history of Johannes Vermeer at the Vermeer Centre Lady smiles at photo camera in style of the Milkmaid at Vermeer Centrum Delft

Museum Paul Tétar van Elven

Visiting a 19th-century artist? You can! On one of Delft's most beautiful canals, the Koornmarkt, you will find the 16th-century former residence of Paul Tétar van Elven (1823-1896). The painter and passionate art collector lived here until 1892. After his death, he left the house and its contents to the city of Delft to be turned into a museum. In 1927, the time had come!

The well-preserved interior alone is worth a visit! During your visit, imagine yourself back in the 19th century and experience the authentic atmosphere of the artist's home.

Discover art at Museum Tetar van Elven!
Inside Museum Paul Tetar van Elven Inside the living room at Paul Tétar van Elven's Museum House Self-portrait by Paul Tétar van Elven in the Museum Paul Tétar van Elven

TU Delft Hortus Botanicus

Enjoy 7,000 unusual species of plants and trees! You can do so in the Botanical Garden of the University of Technology. At some 2.5 hectares, this is the largest continuous green space near Delft city centre. Exactly 100 years ago - in 1917 - Gerrit van Iterson established the Cultural Garden for Technical Crops to grow plants for research and education in technological applications of crops from all climate zones.

Stroll through the botanical garden!
TU Delft hortus botanicus from the outside Inside the greenhouse full of cacti at the TU Delft hortus botanicus Beautiful orange flower at the TU Delft hortus botanicus

RADIUS

Curious about an art centre housed in a water basin of a beautiful historic national monument? Then come take a quick look at RADIUS! This centre for contemporary art and ecology has an underground exhibition space of no less than five hundred square metres. Here you will find a programme of art and science, focusing on climate, ecology and the living environment.

At RADIUS, artists play an essential role in shaping and critiquing the narrative around climate and ecological decay. The programme welcomes artists who address pressing ecological issues, including climate change, pollution, the loss of biodiversity, environmental rights and social justice, in their work. Curious?

Visit Radius
People who visit RADIUS

Museumhuis van Meerten

Curious about how art and antique collector Lambert van Meerten lived? Visit the Museumhuis van Meerten! This charming neo-Renaissance-style house on Oude Delft takes you back in time and gives an intimate look into the life of the 17th-century connoisseur.

Van Meerten collected building fragments, Delftware and furniture, among other things. At the museum, you will admire a varied collection of historical objects, from Delft earthenware and Dutch tiles to Chinese porcelain and unique building fragments.Walking through the house feels like stepping into a time machine.

Visit Museumhuis van Meerten
voorgevel-museumhuis-van-meerten

Museum de Griffioen

Step into the world of technology, science and innovation at Museum de Griffioen. This special museum takes you through centuries of inventions, instruments and technical developments that have shaped Delft. From historical measuring devices and ingenious machines to stories of craftsmanship and discovery: here, the history of technology comes to life.

Museum de Griffioen is a surprising place for curious visitors of all ages. Discover how science and innovation have changed our world over the years and be inspired by the clever minds behind these inventions. A hidden gem for anyone who likes to discover something new!

Discover Museum de Griffioen

 

Cheap Tickets & Combitickets


For a number of museums in Delft, you can easily book a ticket or a combined ticket via our website. This allows you to organise your visit quickly and easily, and ensures you’re guaranteed entry. Browse the options and buy your tickets directly online!

A day at the museum is not only educational, but also fun and relaxing. Combine your visit with a walk through the atmospheric city centre, see more information on this pageor a delicious lunch and a cup of coffee on one of the cosy squares, see more information on this page.

Tip from local Hans!

"Put Open Monumentendag in your diary! Then you get to look inside Delft's most beautiful buildings - places you wouldn't normally just enter."

Curious? We have listed Delft's most special monuments for you. Discover the rich history behind the facades! The tips can be found on this page.

These are all the museums in Delft

  • 38CC

    38CC38 hotspot

    Exhibition space 38CC has been hosting an exhibition programme of contemporary art since 2008.

  • Historisch Joris

    Historisch Joris

    With history dating back to the 14th century, Historisch Joris is an impressive place that holds an important historical place in the ges...

  • Info point Museum Prinsenhof Delft - ceramics route

    Info point Museum Prinsenhof Delft - ceramics route Girl looks at museum renovation plans

  • Land Art Delft

    Land Art Delft

    The Sculpture Park in Land Art Delft is free to visit. All kinds of walking, cycling and bridle paths cross this park, so there is something for everyone.

  • Museum Paul Tétar van Elven

    Museum Paul Tétar van Elven hotspot

    Visit the house of a 19th-century artist!

  • Museum Prinsenhof Delft

    Museum Prinsenhof Delft hotspot

    Take note! Museum Prinsenhof Delft has been temporarily closed due to renovation since 6 January 2025. For more information, visit the website of Museu...

  • Museumhuis Van Meerten

    Museumhuis Van Meerten hotspot

    Huis van Meerten is located in the former residence of art and antiques collector Lambert van Meerten. The neo-Renaissance-style house is located in the...

  • RADIUS

    RADIUS hotspot

    RADIUS is a centre for contemporary art and ecology.

  • Royal Delft Museum

    Royal Delft Museum Master painter of Royal Delft painting on a plate

    The only remaining earthenware factory from the 17th century where Delft Blue pottery is still made today.

  • TU Delft Hortus Botanicus

    TU Delft Hortus Botanicus

    TU Delft Hortus Botanicus is the tropical getaway for young and old!

  • TU Delft Science Centre

    TU Delft Science Centre

  • Vermeer Centrum Delft

    Vermeer Centrum Delft hotspot

    This is the place to get to know 17th-century painter Johannes Vermeer better!

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