Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of tracing the career and unique creative mind of Delft's favorite
resident. Everything is well-described in English. Begin in the
basement, where a good movie orients you to Vermeer and his
ties to Delft. Then, view copies of all 37 known Vermeer paint-
ings, arranged chronologically. Upstairs, a mock-up of “Vermeer's
studio” thoughtfully analyzes and explains some of Vermeer's
techniques, using modern technology to emphasize his mastery
of light and color (€6, daily 10:00-17:00, a block from Market
Square—through the gap where Vermeer's house used to be—at
Voldersgracht 21, tel. 015/213-8588, www.vermeerdelft.nl). The
café is good for a drink or snack, and the shop is the perfect place
to buy some sou-vermeers.
Markets —Multiple all-day markets are held on Thursdays (gen-
eral on Market Square, flower market on Hippolytusbuurt Square)
and on Saturdays (general on Brabantse Turfmarkt and Burgwal,
f lea market at Hippolytusbuurt Square, and sometimes an art
market at Heilige Geestkerkhof).
Royal Dutch Delftware Manufactory
(Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles)
The Delft Blue earthenware made at this factory is famous world-
wide, making this the biggest tour-
ist attraction in town. The Dutch
East India Company, partly head-
quartered in Delft, imported many
exotic goods, including Chinese
porcelain. The Chinese designs
became trendy and were copied by
many of the local potters. Three
centuries later, their descendants
are still going strong, and you can
see them at work in this factory—
the only one left of an original 32 factories (€6.50; April-Oct
daily 9:00-17:00; Nov-March Mon-Sat 9:00-17:00, closed Sun;
Rotterdamsweg 196, tel. 015/251-2030, www.royaldelft.com).
While it's basically a small museum exhibit attached to a giant
shop—and, for some, doesn't merit the trip—for those who enjoy
porcelain, this is worthwhile, especially if you catch one of the
English-language tours , included in the entry price (mid-March-
mid-Oct on the hour daily 11:00-16:00).
If you miss the tour, good posted English information helps
you explore the complex on your own. First you'll watch the five-
minute video (ask for English as you enter), then follow the small
tile arrows through the collection. Along with tableware, you'll
also see gorgeous pictures made from tiles (including a giant rep-
lica of Rembrandt's The Night Watch ), and outdoor architectural
 
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