Discover Vermeer's Delft

Experience the city of the master painter

The most famous Delft girl is of course the Girl with a Pearl Earring by Delft master painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675). The 17th-century master of light lived and worked in Delft all his life. Of the estimated 45 paintings he made there during his lifetime, 37 can still be seen around the world.

Vermeer is among one of the most enigmatic painters in history. His technique and the colours he used in his paintings continue to fascinate. In Delft, discover and experience his city.

Experience the city of the master painter

In Delft, you can walk straight into a Johannes Vermeer painting. The historic centre, the Old and Nieuwe kerk, the canals and mansions take you back to the 17th century and let the past come alive. On a walk through Delft, you will experience the city of the master painter himself.

Go back in time and discover the places associated with him such as his birthplace, the location from which he painted his famous work View of Delft or the Sint-Lucas guild where the artists of Delft gathered at the time.

1. View of Delft

Hooikade

Vermeer's painting View of Delft is the most famous cityscape of the Dutch ^17th century. It shows a view from an upper house on the Hooikade and depicts the harbour on the south side. The play between light and shadow, the impressive cloudy sky and the subtle reflections on the water make this painting an absolute masterpiece!

And you can still admire it in real life today. The exact location where Vermeer painted View of Delft can be found at the Hooikade in Delft. From the city centre, it is just a 10-minute walk away.

2. Oude Kerk

HH Geestkerkhof 25

In the second week of December 1675, Johannes Vermeer died after an illness of a day and a half. He still had eight children at home at the time. On 15 December 1675, his burial was recorded in the burial register of Delft's Oude Kerk. Here, his mother-in-law had her own grave in which some of Vermeer's deceased children were also already buried.

Vermeer had been buried in the family tomb in the Oude Kerk all this time, but in the ^19th century that tomb was cleared. When his work became known later in the ^19thand ^20th centuries, the church received many visitors looking for his grave. In 1975, a small tombstone was placed for Vermeer. And in 2007, in honour of his three hundredth death anniversary, a mausoleum for him was placed in the Oude Kerk.

3. Vermeer Centrum Delft

Voldersgracht 21

In the 17th and 18th centuries, you could find the Sint-Lucas guild at 21 Voldersgracht, which Vermeer, following the example of his father, joined in 1653. Art painters, draughtsmen, glaziers, sculptors, engravers, but also earthenware bakers, book printers and art dealers could join the guild. Today, it is home to the Vermeer Centrum Delft. This is the only place in the world where you can admire Vermeer's entire oeuvre at full size (reproductions). Here you imagine yourself in the 17th century; get to know his paintings, life, family and his techniques.

4. Oostpoort

Oostpoort 1

People all over the world know the Rotterdam Gate, even though it has been gone for almost two centuries. In fact, it features prominently in the painting View of Delft. Back then, the structure could still be admired in all its glory. With its two turrets, the gate resembled the Oostpoort, the only Delft city gate from that time that still exists. Stroll past the beautiful Oostpoort, which will take you back to the days of Vermeer.

5. Vermeer's Little Street

Vlamingstraat

There are various theories about the exact location of Het Straatje. In November 2015, art historian Frans Grijzenhout suggested that the property on Vlamingstraat in Delft must be the location in question. The area in which Vlamingstraat was located at the time was a middle-class neighbourhood where people lived with small salaries such as meat cutters and carpenters. The house in the famous painting was occupied by an aunt of Johannes Vermeer.

Please note that Vlamingstraat is residential area. We request that you do not block the pavement and road, do not stand still for long periods and respect the privacy of residents.