Meet the Master of Light
About Vermeer Centrum Delft

Meet the Master of Light

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is a vibrant venue in Delft's historic city centre. Thanks to the efforts of over 70 enthusiastic volunteers, we receive more than 50,000 paying visitors every year and work daily to spread the word about the famous master painter Johannes Vermeer and his work in Delft.

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is an information centre about Johannes Vermeer. It is located at Voldersgracht 21, on the site where the building of the Guild of Saint Luke stood until around 1870. The façade of this guild building was reconstructed as faithfully as possible in 2006. The coats of arms are, from left to right, those of Dirk Meerman (head of the Guild), the coat of arms of Delft and that of the Guild of Saint Luke. The garlands (casts of the original garlands that are now embedded in the rear façade of the Rijksmuseum) represent the Guild's professional groups: the pottery makers, the painters, the glassmakers, and the booksellers. 

This information centre provides information on four floors about Johannes Vermeer as a person, his life, his work, his family, his techniques, his city of Delft and the symbolism he used.

All 37 known works by Johannes Vermeer are on display as full-size digital reproductions in chronological order. The entrance ticket includes a free audio tour, which adds even more meaning to a visit to the Vermeer Centre's permanent exhibition. The audio tour is available in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.

On the ground floor, next to the entrance, there is also a large shop selling souvenirs, books and cards, all related to the works of the world-famous Delft painter. The shop also houses a small exhibition of archaeological finds from Vermeer's time. This exhibition has been put together in collaboration with Archeologie Delft.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, there is also a regular temporary exhibition of contemporary works of art created by professional and amateur artists who have been inspired by Johannes Vermeer.

 

Wander through four floors full of interesting facts and meet the Master of Light!

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy an admission ticket at the ticket office?

Yes, you can buy tickets at the entrance desk of the Vermeer Centrum Delft. You do not need to reserve a time slot. If you would like to have your ticket(s) in advance, you can also use the digital ticket office.

How can I reach the Vermeer Centrum Delft?

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is easily accessible by car and public transport. The Vermeer Centrum is located right next to the Market Square in the heart of Delft. There are five car parks within walking distance of the centre of Delft. Delft railway station is a 7-minute walk from the Vermeer Centrum Delft. Take tram 1 or tram 19 to the Prinsenhof stop. This is a 7-minute walk from the Vermeer Centrum Delft. For all information, see the “Accessibility” page.

When is the Vermeer Centrum Delft open?

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed only on 25 December.

Do I need to reserve a time slot?

No, you do not need to reserve a time slot. Unlike during the coronavirus pandemic, this is no longer necessary. On weekdays, we have sufficient space to welcome visitors. Weekends can be a little busier, but even then there is enough space to visit the centre at your leisure.

Why are there no genuine Vermeer paintings in the Vermeer Centrum Delft?

Vermeer sold the necessary works to his patron Pieter van Ruijven during his lifetime. After Van Ruijven's death, his collection went to his daughter Magdalena, who married baker Jacob Dissius. The same Dissius, incidentally, receives paintings from Vermeer's widow as compensation for the debt accumulated on unpaid bread. After Jacob Dissius dies, the entire collection is auctioned in Amsterdam in 1696. In this so-called Dissius auction, the paintings (not only by Vermeer) go in all directions, but unfortunately not to Delft or a Delft native.

Is the Vermeer Centrum Delft accessible to disabled visitors?

Yes, definitely. The building and all floors are accessible by stairs and lift. There is a toilet for disabled visitors on the ground floor. We will of course assist you during your visit where necessary. For all information about accessibility, please see this page.

Is the Vermeer Centrum Delft free for disabled visitors?

No, you just need to buy an admission ticket. If you have a companion, they will be granted free admission.

Is the Museum Jaarkaart valid at the Vermeer Centrum Delft?

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is not an official museum, so the Museum Jaarkaart is not valid. However, you will receive a €3.00 discount on the official admission price. We operate entirely on the proceeds from ticket sales and the museum shop. The centre does not receive any form of subsidy.

Is the Vriendenloterij VIP card valid at the Vermeer Centrum in Delft?

The Vriendenloterij VIP card is not valid at the Vermeer Centrum Delft. We operate entirely on the proceeds from ticket sales and the museum shop. The centre does not receive any form of subsidy.

Is there an audio tour available at the Vermeer Centrum Delft?

Yes, audio tours are available in eight languages (Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese). The audio tour is included in your admission ticket, so you don't have to pay extra for it.

Is the Vermeer Centrum Delft suitable for groups?

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is ideal for group visits. With four floors, the centre offers ample space. We offer guided tours in Dutch, English, French and German. Free audio tours are also available in eight languages (Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese).

What can be seen at the Vermeer Centrum Delft?

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is not a museum with original paintings by Vermeer, but an information and experience centre dedicated to the life, work, times and city of Johannes Vermeer. It is the only place in the world where you can see - at true size - high-quality reproductions of all his famous works. The centre offers knowledge and background information about Johannes Vermeer, which helps to appreciate Vermeer's craftsmanship when you go to the Mauritshuis in The Hague or the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

How long does a visit to the Vermeer Centrum Delft take?

 An average visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how detailed you want to look at and read everything.

Can I bring a pram into the Vermeer Centrum Delft?

Prams can also be brought easily. All floors are accessible by lift.

Are guided tours available at the Vermeer Centrum Delft?

It is possible to book a guided tour for groups at the Vermeer Centrum Delft. You can choose between a guided tour in the Vermeer Centrum itself or in the city of Delft (with a Vermeer theme). All tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance. More information about the guided tours and how to request them can be found on the “Guided tours” page on the website.

Every Sunday morning there is a free introductory guided tour. There is no charge for this. However, you should buy an entrance ticket to the Vermeer Centrum Delft. The English-language tour is on Sunday mornings at 10.30 am and the Dutch-language tour is at 12.00 pm. You do not need to register in advance.

If you do not want a guided tour, you can always use the free audio tour. That is available in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.

Where is the Vermeer Centrum Delft located?

The Vermeer Centrum Delft is located in the former Sint Lucasgilde, at Voldersgracht 21 in the centre of Delft, within walking distance of the Markt and Nieuwe Kerk.

Does the Vermeer Centrum Delft have a museum shop with souvenirs?

Yes, there is a museum shop where you can buy various Vermeer-related souvenirs, books and gifts. Like the Vermeer Centrum Delft, the shop is open 7 days a week, from 10am to 5pm. Only on 25 December, the shop is closed.

Is the Vermeer Centrum Delft also fun for children?

Yes, there are interactive elements and the presentation is visual, which can also make it interesting for children. Specifically for young children, there may be fewer direct activities at the Vermeer Centrum Delft, but older children can learn a lot about Vermeer and his time.