Delft: Difference between revisions

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| subdivision_name1 = [[South Holland]]

| seat_type = [[Seat of local government|City Hall]]

| seat = [[City Hall ~~(Delft)~~|~~Delft~~ City Hall]]

| seat = [[Delft City Hall|City Hall]]

| government_footnotes = <ref name="mayor_now">{{cite web |url=http://www.delft.nl/Inwoners/Gemeente_en_democratie/Bestuur/College/Burgemeester_Verkerk/Maak_kennis_met |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130718193055/http://www.delft.nl/Inwoners/Gemeente_en_democratie/Bestuur/College/Burgemeester_Verkerk/Maak_kennis_met |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2013 |title=Maak kennis met. |trans-title=Meet. |language=nl |work=Burgermeester Verkerk |publisher=Gemeente Delft |access-date=18 July 2013}}</ref>

| governing_body = [[Municipal council (Netherlands)|Municipal council]]

| leader_party = [[~~Christian Democratic Appeal~~|~~CDA~~]]

| leader_party = [[Democrats 66|D66]]

| leader_title = [[Burgemeester|Mayor]]

| leader_name = [[~~Marja van Bijsterveldt~~]]

| leader_name = [[Alexander Pechtold]]

| unit_pref = Metric

| area_footnotes = <ref>{{Dutch municipality total area|dataref}}</ref>

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| area_land_km2 = {{Dutch municipality land area|Delft}}

| area_water_km2 = {{Dutch municipality water area|Delft}}

| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="AHN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |title=Postcodetool for 2611GX |language=nl |author= |work=Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland |publisher=Het Waterschapshuis |access-date = 18 July 2013}}</ref>

| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="AHN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |title=Postcodetool for 2611GX |language=nl |author= |work=Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland |publisher=Het Waterschapshuis |access-date=18 July 2013 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053543/http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| elevation_m = 0

| elevation_max_footnotes =

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'''Delft''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈdɛl(ə)ft|-|Nl-Delft.ogg}}) is a [[List of cities in the Netherlands by province|city]] and [[Municipalities of the Netherlands|municipality]] in the [[Provinces of the Netherlands|province]] of [[South Holland]], Netherlands. It is located between [[Rotterdam]], to the southeast, and [[The Hague]], to the northwest. Together with them, it is a part of both the [[Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area]] and the [[Randstad]].

Delft is a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands, famous for its historical connections with the reigning [[House of Orange-Nassau]], for its [[Delftware|blue pottery]], for being home to the painter [[Johannes Vermeer|Jan Vermeer]], and for hosting [[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft). Historically, Delft played a highly influential role in the [[Dutch Golden Age]].<ref>Huerta, Robert D.: ''Giants of Delft: Johannes Vermeer and the Natural Philosophers: The Parallel Search for Knowledge during the Age of Discovery''. (Pennsylvania: Bucknell University Press, 2003)</ref><ref>[[Timothy Brook|Brook, Timothy]]: ''[[Vermeer's Hat|Vermeer's Hat: The Seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World]]''. (Bloomsbury Press, 2009, {{ISBN|978-1596915992}})</ref><ref>[[Walter Liedtke|Liedtke, Walter]]; Plomp, Michiel C.; [[Axel Rüger|Rüger, Axel]]; Baarsen, Reinier J.: ''Vermeer and the Delft School''. (NYC: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013, {{ISBN|978-0300200294}})</ref><ref>[[Laura J. Snyder|Snyder, Laura J.]]: ''Eye of the Beholder: Johannes Vermeer, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and the Reinvention of Seeing''. (W. W. Norton & Company, 2015, {{ISBN|978-0393352887}})</ref> In terms of science and technology, thanks to the pioneering contributions of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek]]<ref>Ruestow, Edward G.: ''The Microscope in the Dutch Republic: The Shaping of Discovery''. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996)</ref><ref>Fournier, Marian: ''The Fabric of Life: The Rise and Decline of Seventeenth-Century Microscopy''. (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, {{ISBN|978-0801851384}})</ref> and [[Martinus Beijerinck]],<ref>Artenstein, Andrew W.: ''The discovery of viruses: advancing science and medicine by challenging dogma''. (''International Journal of Infectious Diseases'', Volume 16, Issue 7, July 2012, pages: e470-e473). {{doi|10.1016/j.ijid.2012.03.005}}. Andrew W. Artenstein: "By 1895 Beijerinck had returned to academia after leaving the [[Wageningen University|Agricultural School]] for a 10-year stint in industrial microbiology in Delft, the South Holland birthplace of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek|van Leeuwenhoek]], one of the founding fathers of microbiology. During his first years at the [[Technical University of Delft]], Beijerinck resumed the research on [[tobacco mosaic disease]] that he had started while working with [[Adolf Mayer|Mayer]]. Even then, he had appreciated that the affliction was microbial in nature, although he felt that the actual agents had yet to be discovered. Beijerinck's investigations at Delft proved fruitful; he not only confirmed the infectivity of the [[contagium vivum fluidum]]—soluble living germ—despite filtration, but he importantly demonstrated that unlike bacteria, the culprit of tobacco disease of plants was incapable of independent growth, requiring the presence of living, dividing host cells in order to replicate."</ref> Delft can be considered to be the birthplace of [[microbiology]].

Delft is a popular tourist destination in [[Netherlands|the Netherlands]], famous for its historical connections with the reigning [[House of Orange-Nassau]], for its [[Delftware|blue pottery]], for being home to the painter [[Johannes Vermeer|Jan Vermeer]], and for hosting [[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft). Historically, Delft played a highly influential role in the [[Dutch Golden Age]].<ref>Huerta, Robert D.: ''Giants of Delft: Johannes Vermeer and the Natural Philosophers: The Parallel Search for Knowledge during the Age of Discovery''. (Pennsylvania: Bucknell University Press, 2003)</ref><ref>[[Timothy Brook|Brook, Timothy]]: ''[[Vermeer's Hat|Vermeer's Hat: The Seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World]]''. (Bloomsbury Press, 2009, {{ISBN|978-1596915992}})</ref><ref>[[Walter Liedtke|Liedtke, Walter]]; Plomp, Michiel C.; [[Axel Rüger|Rüger, Axel]]; Baarsen, Reinier J.: ''Vermeer and the Delft School''. (NYC: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013, {{ISBN|978-0300200294}})</ref><ref>[[Laura J. Snyder|Snyder, Laura J.]]: ''Eye of the Beholder: Johannes Vermeer, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and the Reinvention of Seeing''. (W. W. Norton & Company, 2015, {{ISBN|978-0393352887}})</ref> In terms of science and technology, thanks to the pioneering contributions of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek]]<ref>Ruestow, Edward G.: ''The Microscope in the Dutch Republic: The Shaping of Discovery''. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996)</ref><ref>Fournier, Marian: ''The Fabric of Life: The Rise and Decline of Seventeenth-Century Microscopy''. (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, {{ISBN|978-0801851384}})</ref> and [[Martinus Beijerinck]],<ref>Artenstein, Andrew W.: ''The discovery of viruses: advancing science and medicine by challenging dogma''. (''International Journal of Infectious Diseases'', Volume 16, Issue 7, July 2012, pages: e470-e473). {{doi|10.1016/j.ijid.2012.03.005}}. Andrew W. Artenstein: "By 1895 Beijerinck had returned to academia after leaving the [[Wageningen University|Agricultural School]] for a 10-year stint in industrial microbiology in Delft, the South Holland birthplace of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek|van Leeuwenhoek]], one of the founding fathers of microbiology. During his first years at the [[Technical University of Delft]], Beijerinck resumed the research on [[tobacco mosaic disease]] that he had started while working with [[Adolf Mayer|Mayer]]. Even then, he had appreciated that the affliction was microbial in nature, although he felt that the actual agents had yet to be discovered. Beijerinck's investigations at Delft proved fruitful; he not only confirmed the infectivity of the [[contagium vivum fluidum]]—soluble living germ—despite filtration, but he importantly demonstrated that unlike bacteria, the culprit of tobacco disease of plants was incapable of independent growth, requiring the presence of living, dividing host cells in order to replicate."</ref> Delft can be considered to be the birthplace of [[microbiology]].

==History==

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Having been a rural village in the early Middle Ages, Delft developed into a city, and on 15 April 1246, [[William II of Holland|Count Willem II]] granted Delft its [[City rights in the Netherlands|city charter]]. Trade and industry flourished. In 1389 the Delfshavensche Schie canal was dug through to the river [[Nieuwe Maas|Maas]], where the port of [[Delfshaven]] was built, connecting Delft to the sea.

Until the 17th century, Delft was one of the major cities of the then county (and later province) of [[County of Holland|Holland]]. In 1400, for example, the city had 6,500 inhabitants, making it the third largest city after [[Dordrecht]] (8,000) and [[Haarlem]] (7,000). In 1560, Amsterdam, with 28,000 inhabitants, had become the largest city, followed by Delft, Leiden and Haarlem, which each had around 14,000 inhabitants.

Until the 17th century, Delft was one of the major cities of the then county (and later province) of [[County of Holland|Holland]]. In 1400, for example, the city had 6,500 inhabitants, making it the third largest city after [[Dordrecht]] (8,000) and [[Haarlem]] (7,000). By 1560, Amsterdam, with 28,000 inhabitants, had become the largest city, followed by Delft, Leiden and Haarlem, which each had around 14,000 inhabitants.

In 1536, a large part of the city was destroyed by the great fire of Delft.

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Around this time, Delft also occupied a prominent position in the field of printing.

A number of Italian glazed earthenware makers settled in the city and introduced a new style. The tapestry industry also flourished when famous manufacturer François Spierincx moved to the city. In the 17th century, Delft experienced a new heyday, thanks to the presence of an office of the [[Dutch East India Company]] (VOC) (opened in 1602) and the manufacture of [[Delftware~~|Delft Blue china~~]].

A number of Italian glazed earthenware makers settled in the city and introduced a new style. The tapestry industry also flourished when famous manufacturer François Spierincx moved to the city. In the 17th century, Delft experienced a new heyday, thanks to the presence of an office of the [[Dutch East India Company]] (VOC) (opened in 1602) and the manufacture of [[Delftware]], a distinctive style of [[blue and white pottery]].

The population in 1848 was estimated at 15,000 inhabitants.<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge |date=1848 |publisher=Charles Knight |location=London |page=295 Vol V |edition=First}}</ref>

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[[File:Kruithuis.jpg|thumb|The "new" gunpowder store "Kruithuis", built in 1660 on the water of the [[Delftse Schie]] for public safety, today in use as a clubhouse]]

The Delft Explosion, also known ~~in history~~ as the Delft Thunderclap, occurred on 12 October 1654<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/the-day-the-world-came-to-an-end-the-great-delft-thunderclap-of-1654/ |title=The Day the World Came to an End: the Great Delft Thunderclap of 1654 |date=14 October 2004 |publisher=Radio Netherlands }}</ref> when a [[gunpowder]] store exploded, destroying much of the city. ~~More than 100 were killed and thousands were injured.~~<ref>{{Cite ~~book~~|~~last~~=~~Cumming~~ |~~first~~=~~Laura~~ |~~year~~=~~2023~~ |~~title~~= ~~Thunderclap~~: ~~A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death~~ |~~location~~=~~New York~~ |~~publisher~~=~~Scribner~~ |~~isbn~~=~~978~~-1-~~9821-8174-1~~ }}</ref>

The '''Delft Explosion''', also known as the '''Delft Thunderclap''', occurred on 12 October 1654<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/the-day-the-world-came-to-an-end-the-great-delft-thunderclap-of-1654/ |title=The Day the World Came to an End: the Great Delft Thunderclap of 1654 |date=14 October 2004 |publisher=Radio Netherlands |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405210613/http://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/the-day-the-world-came-to-an-end-the-great-delft-thunderclap-of-1654/ |url-status=live }}</ref> when a [[gunpowder]] store exploded, destroying much of the city. Today, the explosion is primarily remembered for killing [[Rembrandt]]'s most promising pupil, [[Carel Fabritius]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=‘Providential Discourse’ Reconsidered: The Case of the Delft Thunderclap (1654) |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/action/cookieAbsent |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=www.tandfonline.com |doi=10.1080/03096564.2016.1159869#d1e139}}</ref> and destroying nearly all his works.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Vermeer's Delft Today |url=https://www.essentialvermeer.com/delft/delft_today/delft_today_start.html |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=www.essentialvermeer.com}}</ref>

~~About~~ {{cvt|30|t|1|lk=on}} of gunpowder were stored in [[Barrel (storage)|barrels]] in a [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]] in a former [[Order of Poor Ladies|Clarist]] [[convent]] in the Doelenkwartier district, where the Paardenmarkt is now located. Cornelis Soetens, the keeper of the magazine, opened the store to check a sample of the powder ~~and a~~ huge explosion followed. ~~Fortunately~~, ~~many citizens were away~~, ~~visiting~~ a ~~market in [[Schiedam]] or a fair in [[The Hague]]~~.

In 1654, Delft was ringed by a city wall with some 26 cannon emplacements. To supply the defenses, about {{cvt|30|t|1|lk=on}} of gunpowder were stored in [[Barrel (storage)|barrels]] in a [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]] in a former [[Order of Poor Ladies|Clarist]] [[convent]] in the Doelenkwartier district, where the Paardenmarkt is now located. The storage of so much gunpowder in the center of town was considered a state secret and thus the citizens were generally unaware of the danger in their midst. On the morning of October 12, 1654, Cornelis Soetens, the keeper of the magazine, opened the store to check a sample of the powder. A huge explosion followed. The exact cause of the explosion is unknown, as Soetens was killed, but it could have been from a spark from the light he was carrying.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />

~~Today~~, the explosion ~~is primarily remembered for killing~~ [[~~Rembrandt~~]]~~'s most promising pupil~~, [[~~Carel Fabritius~~]], and ~~destroying nearly all his works~~.

The blast leveled the central part of the city, left a deep crater, blew out glass in large radius (including the stained glass and roof of the [[Nieuwe Kerk (Delft)|Nieuwe Kerk]]), and started fires that began to spread. The explosion was heard on the island of [[Texel]], some {{Convert|70|mi|km|abbr=on}} away.<ref name=":0" />

Fortunately, many citizens were away, visiting a market in [[Schiedam]] or a fair in [[The Hague]], so there were fewer casualties than might have been expected. A considerable rescue operation began after the blast. In one notable instance, a young infant was discovered still alive under the rubble after a day of searching. But otherwise, few survivors were found.<ref name=":1" /> Most accounts state that more than 100 were killed and thousands were injured.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cumming |first=Laura |year=2023 |title= Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death |location=New York |publisher=Scribner |isbn=978-1-9821-8174-1 }}</ref> The exact death toll is unknown. The lower bound of the death toll was 54,<ref name=":0" /> and the upper bound is several hundred.{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}}

Delft artist [[Egbert van der Poel]] painted several pictures of Delft showing the devastation.

The gunpowder store (Dutch: Kruithuis) was subsequently re-housed, a 'cannonball's distance away', outside the city, in a new building designed by architect [[Pieter Post]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Historie: Het Kruithuis |language=nl |publisher=Scoutcentrum Delft |url=https://www.scoutcentrumdelft.nl/historie }}</ref>

The gunpowder store (Dutch: Kruithuis) was subsequently re-housed, a 'cannonball's distance away', outside the city, in a new building designed by architect [[Pieter Post]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historie: Het Kruithuis |language=nl |publisher=Scoutcentrum Delft |url=https://www.scoutcentrumdelft.nl/historie |access-date=2023-07-10 |archive-date=2023-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529213958/https://www.scoutcentrumdelft.nl/historie |url-status=live }}</ref> The destroyed area closest to the blast was eventually repurposed as the city's horse market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Brian |title=Blow Up {{!}} Brian Dillon |url=https://cabinetmagazine.org/issues/43/dillon.php |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=cabinetmagazine.org |language=en}}</ref>

The explosion generated significant discourse on [[divine providence]]. Contemporary writers viewed the explosion as a divine intervention. Some saw it as a divine punishment, which also had the effect of inflaming religious tensions. The city was chiefly [[Protestantism|Protestant]], but had allowed a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] presence to remain. Those who saw it as divine punishment put forth various potential sins that were being punished, such as allowing Catholicism to remain in the city, or more general moral corruption. Other writers were more circumspect and sought to uphold the social fabric. Minister Petrus de Witte felt that the explosion was a mercy and a sign for the people to live pious lives. The poet [[Joost van den Vondel]] concluded that the disaster was proof that divine providence is inscrutable.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />

==Sights==

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*The [[Vermeer Centre]] in the re-built [[Guild of Saint Luke|Guild house of St. Luke]].

*The historical "Waag" building (Weigh house).

*Windmill [[De Roos]], a [[tower mill]] built {{Circa|1760}}. Restored to working order in 2013.<ref name=Mill>{{cite web |url=http://www.molendatabase.nl/nederland/molen.php?nummer=959 |title=Delft, Zuid-Holland |publisher=Molendatabase |language=nl |access-date=22 October 2014}}</ref> Another windmill that formerly stood in Delft, [[Het Fortuyn, Delft|Het Fortuyn]], was dismantled in 1917 and re-erected at the [[Netherlands Open Air Museum]], [[Arnhem]], [[Gelderland]] in 1920.

*Windmill [[De Roos]], a [[tower mill]] built {{Circa|1760}}. Restored to working order in 2013.<ref name=Mill>{{cite web |url=http://www.molendatabase.nl/nederland/molen.php?nummer=959 |title=Delft, Zuid-Holland |date=1760 |publisher=Molendatabase |language=nl |access-date=22 October 2014}}</ref> Another windmill that formerly stood in Delft, [[Het Fortuyn, Delft|Het Fortuyn]], was dismantled in 1917 and re-erected at the [[Netherlands Open Air Museum]], [[Arnhem]], [[Gelderland]] in 1920.

*Royal Delft also known as De Porceleyne Fles, is a great place which showcases Delft ware.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.royaldelft.com/ |title=Royal Delft. Ontdek de wereld van koninklijk Delfts Blauw. |website=www.royaldelft.com |access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Welcome to delfthuis.com |url=http://www.delfthuis.com/ |website=delfthuis.com}}</ref>

*Royal Delft also known as De Porceleyne Fles, is a great place which showcases Delft ware.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.royaldelft.com/ |title=Royal Delft. Ontdek de wereld van koninklijk Delfts Blauw. |website=www.royaldelft.com |access-date=2019-12-30 |archive-date=2019-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629015448/https://www.royaldelft.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Welcome to delfthuis.com |url=http://www.delfthuis.com/ |website=delfthuis.com |archive-date=2023-05-28 |access-date=2019-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528221652/http://delfthuis.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

*Science Center attracts kids as well as adults.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tudelft.nl/sciencecentre/ |title=Science Centre Delft |website=TU Delft |language=nl |access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.museumkids.nl/museum/171 |title=Museumkids |website=Museumkids.nl |language=nl |access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref>

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==Education==

[[File:TU Delft buildings.jpg|thumb|TU Delft buildings]]

[[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft) is one of [[4TU|four universities of technology]] in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.4tu.nl/en/ |title=4TU.Federation |website=4tu.nl}}</ref> It was founded as an academy for civil engineering in 1842 by [[William II of the Netherlands|King William II]]. As of 2022, well over 27,000 students are enrolled.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studentenaantallen TU Delft stabiel |url=https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |url-status=~~live~~ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/~~20231204193400fw_~~/https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Delft University of Technology}}</ref>

[[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft) is one of [[4TU|four universities of technology]] in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.4tu.nl/en/ |title=4TU.Federation |website=4tu.nl}}</ref> It was founded as an academy for civil engineering in 1842 by [[William II of the Netherlands|King William II]]. As of 2022, well over 27,000 students are enrolled.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studentenaantallen TU Delft stabiel |url=https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204193400/https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Delft University of Technology |access-date=April 27, 2024 }}</ref>

The [[UNESCO-IHE]] Institute for Water Education, providing postgraduate education for people from developing countries, draws on the strong tradition in [[water management]] and [[hydraulic engineering]] of the Delft university.

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==Economy==

~~In the~~ local ~~economic field, essential elements~~ are:

Major elements in Delft's local economy are:

*~~education; (amongst others~~ [[Delft University of Technology]]~~) ({{As of|2017}} 21.651~~ students and ~~4.939~~ full-time employees),

*'''Education,''' including [[Delft University of Technology]] with approximately 26,000 students and 7,500 full-time employees.

*~~scientific~~ research; (~~amongst others "TNO"~~ [[Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research]]), Stichting Deltares, Nederlands Normalisatie-Instituut, [[UNESCO-IHE]] Institute for water education, [[Technopolis Innovation Park Delft|Technopolis Innovation Park]];

*'''Scientific research,''' including TNI ([[Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research]]), Stichting Deltares, Nederlands Normalisatie-Instituut, [[UNESCO-IHE]] Institute for water education, [[Technopolis Innovation Park Delft|Technopolis Innovation Park]].

*~~tourism; (~~about one million registered visitors ~~a year),~~

*'''Tourism,''' with about one million registered visitors yearly.

*~~industry; (~~DSM Gist Services BV, ([[Delftware]]) earthenware production by [[De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles]], [[Exact Holding|Exact Software Nederland BV]], TOPdesk, Ampelmann)

*'''Industry,''' including DSM Gist Services BV, [[Delftware]] earthenware production by [[De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles]], [[Exact Holding|Exact Software Nederland BV]], TOPdesk, Ampelmann.

*~~retail; (~~[[IKEA]] (Inter IKEA Systems B.V., owner and worldwide franchisor of the IKEA Concept~~, is based in Delft~~), Makro, Eneco Energy NV).

*'''Retail''', including [[IKEA]] (Inter IKEA Systems B.V., owner and worldwide franchisor of the IKEA Concept), Makro, Eneco Energy NV.

==Nature and recreation==

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Inside the city, apart from a central park, there are several smaller town parks, including "Nieuwe Plantage", "Agnetapark", "Kalverbos".

There is also the [[Botanical Garden]] of the TU and an [[arboretum]] in Delftse Hout.

== Politics ==

The latest municipal council elections were held on March 18, 2026.

{| class="wikitable"

|+

! rowspan="2" |Party

! colspan="3" |2026<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2026 |title=Voorlopige einduitslag bekend |url=https://www.delft.nl/voorlopige-einduitslag-bekend |work=Gemeente Delft}}</ref>

! colspan="3" |2022<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Gemeenteraad 16 maart 2022 - Delft |url=https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20220316/731128 |work=Kiesraad |access-date=March 23, 2026 |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718172235/https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20220316/731128 |url-status=live }}</ref>

! colspan="2" |2018<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2018 |title=Gemeenteraad 21 maart 2018 - Delft |url=https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20180321/671712 |work=Kiesraad |access-date=March 23, 2026 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117162930/https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20180321/671712 |url-status=live }}</ref>

|-

!%

!Seats

!Diff.

!%

!Seats

!Diff.

!%

!Seats

|-

|{{Color box|00743C|}} [[GroenLinks–PvdA|GroenLinks-PvdA]]

|20.1

|9

|{{Steady}} 0

| -

|-

|{{Color box|00AE41}} [[Democrats 66|D66]]

|16.9

|7

|{{Increase}} 1

|14.5

|6

|{{Increase}} 1

|13.6

|5

|-

|{{Color box|FDE600}} [[Studenten Techniek In Politiek|STIP]]

|14.0

|6

|{{Steady}} 0

|15.8

|6

|{{Steady}} 0

|14.8

|6

|-

|{{Color box|A7282A}} Hart voor Delft

|13.1

|5

|{{Steady}} 0

|13.5

|5

|{{Increase}} 5

| -

|-

|{{Color box|0328CB}} [[People's Party for Freedom and Democracy|VVD]]

|7.1

|3

|{{Steady}} 0

|8.3

|3

|{{Steady}} 0

|8.9

|3

|-

|{{Color box|1F9359}} [[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]]

|4.6

|2

|{{Steady}} 0

|5.1

|2

|{{Decrease}} 1

|8.3

|3

|-

|{{Color box|CBBB9F}} Onafhankelijk Delft

|4.1

|1

|{{Decrease}} 1

|4.7

|2

|{{Decrease}} 3

|11.8

|5<ref name="split">{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2020 |title=Martin Stoelinga verder met Grobben en De Wit |url=https://www.ad.nl/delft/martin-stoelinga-verder-met-grobben-en-de-wit~a74f137e/ |work=AD |access-date=March 23, 2026 |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409013901/https://www.ad.nl/delft/martin-stoelinga-verder-met-grobben-en-de-wit~a74f137e/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

|-

|{{Color box|00743C}} [[Party for the Animals|PvdD]]

|3.8

|1

|{{Increase}} 1

| -

|-

|{{Color box|582C83}} [[Volt Netherlands|Volt]]

|3.5

|1

|{{Decrease}} 1

|4.6

|2

|{{Increase}} 2

| -

|-

|{{Color box|A71C20}} [[Forum for Democracy|FvD]]

|3.4

|1

|{{Increase}} 1

| -

|-

|{{Color box|00A7EB}} [[Christian Union (Netherlands)|CU]]

|3.4

|1

|{{Decrease}} 1

|4.7

|2

|{{Steady}} 0

|5.9

|2

|-

|{{Color box|FF0000}} [[Socialist Party (Netherlands)|SP]]

|3.2

|1

|{{Decrease}} 1

|5.8

|2

|{{Decrease}} 1

|7.8

|3

|-

|{{Color box|234672}} [[Party for Freedom|PVV]]

|3.0

|1

|{{Increase}} 1

| -

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|{{Color box|00743C|}} [[GroenLinks]]

| -

|13.6

|6

|{{Decrease}} 1

|15.9

|7

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|{{Color box|#df111a|}} [[PvdA]]

| -

|7.1

|3

|{{Steady}} 0

|7.3

|3

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|{{Color box|#ffff00|}} [[Bij1|Bij21]]

| -

|2.1

|0

|{{Steady}} 0

| -

|-

|{{Color box|#f5c154|}} Stadsbelangen Delft

| -

|5.8

|2<ref name="abolish">{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2021 |title=Persbericht naamswijziging Stadsbelangen Delft |url=https://www.stadsbelangendelft.nl/?p=18216#more-18216 |work=Stadsbelangen}}</ref>

|}

==Notable people==

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*[[Harmen Steenwijck]] (ca. 1612–ca. 1656), painter of [[still life]]s and fruit

*[[Jacob Willemsz Delff the Younger]] (1619–1661), portrait painter

*[[David Beck]] (1621–1656), portrait painter

*[[Jodocus Van Lodenstein]] (1620–1677), poet, minister, and theologian.

*[[David Beck (painter)|David Beck]] (1621–1656), portrait painter

*[[Egbert van der Poel]] (1621–1664), genre and landscape painter

*[[Daniel Vosmaer]] (1622–1666), painter

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*[[Michèle Van de Roer]] (born 1956), artist, designer, photographer and engraver

*[[Mariska Hulscher]] (born 1964), TV presenter<ref>{{cite web |title=Mariska Hulscher |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1506196/ |website=IMDb |access-date=13 January 2020}}</ref>

*[[Emma Kirchner]] (~~1830 - 1909~~), first woman photographer in Delft area<ref>{{Cite web |title=Depth of Field {{!}} Scherptediepte |url=https://depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl/2035f06nl/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl}}</ref>

*[[Emma Kirchner]] (1830–1909), first woman photographer in Delft area<ref>{{Cite web |title=Depth of Field {{!}} Scherptediepte |url=https://depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl/2035f06nl/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl |archive-date=2021-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210101503/https://depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl/2035f06nl/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

*[[Wessel van Diepen]] (born 1966), radio host, music producer and former TV presenter<ref>{{cite web |title=Wessel van Diepen |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5015260/ |website=IMDb |access-date=13 January 2020}}</ref>

*[[Rob Das]] (born 1969), film and TV actor, director and writer<ref>{{cite web |title=Rob Das |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201909/ |website=IMDb}}</ref>

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*[[Arantxa Rus]] (born 1990), tennis player

*[[Kelly Vollebregt]] (born 1995), handball player

*[[Victoria Pelova]] (born 1999), football player

*[[Victoria Pelova]] (born 1999), football player, [[UEFA Women's Champions League|Champions League]] winner

*[[Tijmen van der Helm]] (born 2004), racing driver

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*[[Nuna]] is a series of crewed solar-powered vehicles, built by students at the Delft University of Technology, that won the [[World solar challenge]] in Australia seven times in the last nine competitions (in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2015 and 2017).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/dashboard/timing |title=World Solar Challenge 2017 |website=worldsolarchallenge.org |access-date=2017-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016115813/https://worldsolarchallenge.org/dashboard/timing |archive-date=2017-10-16 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

*The so-called "[[Superbus (transport)|Superbus]]" project aims to develop high-speed coaches capable of speeds of up to {{cvt|250|km/h|0|abbr=out}} together with the supporting infrastructure including special highway lanes constructed separately next to the nation's highways; this project was led by Dutch astronaut professor [[Wubbo Ockels]] of the Delft University of Technology.

*Members of both Delft Student Rowing Clubs [[Proteus-Eretes]] and Laga have won many international trophies, including Olympic medals~~, in the past~~.

*Members of both Delft Student Rowing Clubs [[Proteus-Eretes]] and Laga have won many international trophies, including Olympic medals.

*Formula Student Team Delft ~~is a student racing team that~~ has won the Formula Student competition format in Germany three times in a row, their workplace is located along the shie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fsteamdelft.nl/|title=HOME|website=DUT23}}</ref>

*The Formula Student Team Delft has won the Formula Student racing competition format in Germany three times in a row; their workplace is located along the shie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fsteamdelft.nl/|title=HOME|website=DUT23}}</ref>

*The Human Power Team Delft & Amsterdam, ~~a team~~ consisting mainly of students from the Delft University of Technology, has won The World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) four times~~. This is~~ an international contest for [[recumbent bicycle|recumbents]] in the US state of Nevada, the aim of which is to break speed records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2016/speedchallenge.htm |title=The Recumbent Bicycle and Human Powered Vehicle Information Center |website=recumbents.com}}</ref> They set the [[Sebastiaan Bowier|world record]] of 133.78 kilometres an hour (83.13 mph) in 2013.

*The Human Power Team Delft & Amsterdam, consisting mainly of students from the Delft University of Technology, has won The World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) four times, an international contest for [[recumbent bicycle|recumbents]] in the US state of Nevada, the aim of which is to break speed records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2016/speedchallenge.htm |title=The Recumbent Bicycle and Human Powered Vehicle Information Center |website=recumbents.com}}</ref> They set the [[Sebastiaan Bowier|world record]] of 133.78 kilometres an hour (83.13 mph) in 2013.

==International relations==

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[[Category:Municipalities of South Holland]]

[[Category:Populated places in South Holland]]

[[Category:Industrial fires and explosions]]

[[Category:Industrial fires and explosions in Europe]]

[[Category:States and territories established in 1246]]

@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 | subdivision_name1       = [[South Holland]]
 | seat_type               = [[Seat of local government|City Hall]]
-| seat                    = [[City Hall (Delft)|Delft City Hall]]
+| seat                    = [[Delft City Hall|City Hall]]
 | government_footnotes    = <ref name="mayor_now">{{cite web |url=http://www.delft.nl/Inwoners/Gemeente_en_democratie/Bestuur/College/Burgemeester_Verkerk/Maak_kennis_met |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130718193055/http://www.delft.nl/Inwoners/Gemeente_en_democratie/Bestuur/College/Burgemeester_Verkerk/Maak_kennis_met |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 July 2013 |title=Maak kennis met. |trans-title=Meet. |language=nl |work=Burgermeester Verkerk |publisher=Gemeente Delft |access-date=18 July 2013}}</ref>
 | governing_body          = [[Municipal council (Netherlands)|Municipal council]]
-| leader_party            = [[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]]
+| leader_party            = [[Democrats 66|D66]]
 | leader_title            = [[Burgemeester|Mayor]]
-| leader_name             = [[Marja van Bijsterveldt]]
+| leader_name             = [[Alexander Pechtold]]
 | unit_pref               = Metric
 | area_footnotes          = <ref>{{Dutch municipality total area|dataref}}</ref>
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 | area_land_km2           = {{Dutch municipality land area|Delft}}
 | area_water_km2          = {{Dutch municipality water area|Delft}}
-| elevation_footnotes     = <ref name="AHN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |title=Postcodetool for 2611GX |language=nl |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |work=Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland |publisher=Het Waterschapshuis |access-date = 18 July 2013}}</ref>
+| elevation_footnotes     = <ref name="AHN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |title=Postcodetool for 2611GX |language=nl |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |work=Actueel Hoogtebestand Nederland |publisher=Het Waterschapshuis |access-date=18 July 2013 |archive-date=21 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053543/http://www.ahn.nl/postcodetool |url-status=dead }}</ref>
 | elevation_m             = 0
 | elevation_max_footnotes =
@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 '''Delft''' ({{IPA|nl|ˈdɛl(ə)ft|-|Nl-Delft.ogg}}) is a [[List of cities in the Netherlands by province|city]] and [[Municipalities of the Netherlands|municipality]] in the [[Provinces of the Netherlands|province]] of [[South Holland]], Netherlands. It is located between [[Rotterdam]], to the southeast, and [[The Hague]], to the northwest. Together with them, it is a part of both the [[Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area]] and the [[Randstad]].
-Delft is a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands, famous for its historical connections with the reigning [[House of Orange-Nassau]], for its [[Delftware|blue pottery]], for being home to the painter [[Johannes Vermeer|Jan Vermeer]], and for hosting [[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft). Historically, Delft played a highly influential role in the [[Dutch Golden Age]].<ref>Huerta, Robert D.: ''Giants of Delft: Johannes Vermeer and the Natural Philosophers: The Parallel Search for Knowledge during the Age of Discovery''. (Pennsylvania: Bucknell University Press, 2003)</ref><ref>[[Timothy Brook|Brook, Timothy]]: ''[[Vermeer's Hat|Vermeer's Hat: The Seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World]]''. (Bloomsbury Press, 2009, {{ISBN|978-1596915992}})</ref><ref>[[Walter Liedtke|Liedtke, Walter]]; Plomp, Michiel C.; [[Axel Rüger|Rüger, Axel]]; Baarsen, Reinier J.: ''Vermeer and the Delft School''. (NYC: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013, {{ISBN|978-0300200294}})</ref><ref>[[Laura J. Snyder|Snyder, Laura J.]]: ''Eye of the Beholder: Johannes Vermeer, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and the Reinvention of Seeing''. (W. W. Norton & Company, 2015, {{ISBN|978-0393352887}})</ref> In terms of science and technology, thanks to the pioneering contributions of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek]]<ref>Ruestow, Edward G.: ''The Microscope in the Dutch Republic: The Shaping of Discovery''. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996)</ref><ref>Fournier, Marian: ''The Fabric of Life: The Rise and Decline of Seventeenth-Century Microscopy''. (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, {{ISBN|978-0801851384}})</ref> and [[Martinus Beijerinck]],<ref>Artenstein, Andrew W.: ''The discovery of viruses: advancing science and medicine by challenging dogma''. (''International Journal of Infectious Diseases'', Volume 16, Issue 7, July 2012, pages: e470-e473). {{doi|10.1016/j.ijid.2012.03.005}}. Andrew W. Artenstein: "By 1895 Beijerinck had returned to academia after leaving the [[Wageningen University|Agricultural School]] for a 10-year stint in industrial microbiology in Delft, the South Holland birthplace of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek|van Leeuwenhoek]], one of the founding fathers of microbiology. During his first years at the [[Technical University of Delft]], Beijerinck resumed the research on [[tobacco mosaic disease]] that he had started while working with [[Adolf Mayer|Mayer]]. Even then, he had appreciated that the affliction was microbial in nature, although he felt that the actual agents had yet to be discovered. Beijerinck's investigations at Delft proved fruitful; he not only confirmed the infectivity of the [[contagium vivum fluidum]]—soluble living germ—despite filtration, but he importantly demonstrated that unlike bacteria, the culprit of tobacco disease of plants was incapable of independent growth, requiring the presence of living, dividing host cells in order to replicate."</ref> Delft can be considered to be the birthplace of [[microbiology]].
+Delft is a popular tourist destination in [[Netherlands|the Netherlands]], famous for its historical connections with the reigning [[House of Orange-Nassau]], for its [[Delftware|blue pottery]], for being home to the painter [[Johannes Vermeer|Jan Vermeer]], and for hosting [[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft). Historically, Delft played a highly influential role in the [[Dutch Golden Age]].<ref>Huerta, Robert D.: ''Giants of Delft: Johannes Vermeer and the Natural Philosophers: The Parallel Search for Knowledge during the Age of Discovery''. (Pennsylvania: Bucknell University Press, 2003)</ref><ref>[[Timothy Brook|Brook, Timothy]]: ''[[Vermeer's Hat|Vermeer's Hat: The Seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World]]''. (Bloomsbury Press, 2009, {{ISBN|978-1596915992}})</ref><ref>[[Walter Liedtke|Liedtke, Walter]]; Plomp, Michiel C.; [[Axel Rüger|Rüger, Axel]]; Baarsen, Reinier J.: ''Vermeer and the Delft School''. (NYC: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013, {{ISBN|978-0300200294}})</ref><ref>[[Laura J. Snyder|Snyder, Laura J.]]: ''Eye of the Beholder: Johannes Vermeer, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, and the Reinvention of Seeing''. (W. W. Norton & Company, 2015, {{ISBN|978-0393352887}})</ref> In terms of science and technology, thanks to the pioneering contributions of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek]]<ref>Ruestow, Edward G.: ''The Microscope in the Dutch Republic: The Shaping of Discovery''. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996)</ref><ref>Fournier, Marian: ''The Fabric of Life: The Rise and Decline of Seventeenth-Century Microscopy''. (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, {{ISBN|978-0801851384}})</ref> and [[Martinus Beijerinck]],<ref>Artenstein, Andrew W.: ''The discovery of viruses: advancing science and medicine by challenging dogma''. (''International Journal of Infectious Diseases'', Volume 16, Issue 7, July 2012, pages: e470-e473). {{doi|10.1016/j.ijid.2012.03.005}}. Andrew W. Artenstein: "By 1895 Beijerinck had returned to academia after leaving the [[Wageningen University|Agricultural School]] for a 10-year stint in industrial microbiology in Delft, the South Holland birthplace of [[Antonie van Leeuwenhoek|van Leeuwenhoek]], one of the founding fathers of microbiology. During his first years at the [[Technical University of Delft]], Beijerinck resumed the research on [[tobacco mosaic disease]] that he had started while working with [[Adolf Mayer|Mayer]]. Even then, he had appreciated that the affliction was microbial in nature, although he felt that the actual agents had yet to be discovered. Beijerinck's investigations at Delft proved fruitful; he not only confirmed the infectivity of the [[contagium vivum fluidum]]—soluble living germ—despite filtration, but he importantly demonstrated that unlike bacteria, the culprit of tobacco disease of plants was incapable of independent growth, requiring the presence of living, dividing host cells in order to replicate."</ref> Delft can be considered to be the birthplace of [[microbiology]].
 ==History==
@@ Line 74: / Line 74: @@
 Having been a rural village in the early Middle Ages, Delft developed into a city, and on 15 April 1246, [[William II of Holland|Count Willem II]] granted Delft its [[City rights in the Netherlands|city charter]]. Trade and industry flourished. In 1389 the Delfshavensche Schie canal was dug through to the river [[Nieuwe Maas|Maas]], where the port of [[Delfshaven]] was built, connecting Delft to the sea.
-Until the 17th century, Delft was one of the major cities of the then county (and later province) of [[County of Holland|Holland]]. In 1400, for example, the city had 6,500 inhabitants, making it the third largest city after [[Dordrecht]] (8,000) and [[Haarlem]] (7,000). In 1560, Amsterdam, with 28,000 inhabitants, had become the largest city, followed by Delft, Leiden and Haarlem, which each had around 14,000 inhabitants.
+Until the 17th century, Delft was one of the major cities of the then county (and later province) of [[County of Holland|Holland]]. In 1400, for example, the city had 6,500 inhabitants, making it the third largest city after [[Dordrecht]] (8,000) and [[Haarlem]] (7,000). By 1560, Amsterdam, with 28,000 inhabitants, had become the largest city, followed by Delft, Leiden and Haarlem, which each had around 14,000 inhabitants.
 In 1536, a large part of the city was destroyed by the great fire of Delft.
@@ Line 86: / Line 86: @@
 Around this time, Delft also occupied a prominent position in the field of printing.
-A number of Italian glazed earthenware makers settled in the city and introduced a new style. The tapestry industry also flourished when famous manufacturer François Spierincx moved to the city. In the 17th century, Delft experienced a new heyday, thanks to the presence of an office of the [[Dutch East India Company]] (VOC) (opened in 1602) and the manufacture of [[Delftware|Delft Blue china]].
+A number of Italian glazed earthenware makers settled in the city and introduced a new style. The tapestry industry also flourished when famous manufacturer François Spierincx moved to the city. In the 17th century, Delft experienced a new heyday, thanks to the presence of an office of the [[Dutch East India Company]] (VOC) (opened in 1602) and the manufacture of [[Delftware]], a distinctive style of [[blue and white pottery]].
 The population in 1848 was estimated at 15,000 inhabitants.<ref>{{cite book |title=The National Cyclopaedia of Useful Knowledge |date=1848 |publisher=Charles Knight |location=London |page=295 Vol V |edition=First}}</ref>
@@ Line 97: / Line 97: @@
 [[File:Kruithuis.jpg|thumb|The "new" gunpowder store "Kruithuis", built in 1660 on the water of the [[Delftse Schie]] for public safety, today in use as a clubhouse]]
 {{see also|:nl:Delftse donderslag|:de:Delfter Donnerschlag}}
-The Delft Explosion, also known in history as the Delft Thunderclap, occurred on 12 October 1654<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/the-day-the-world-came-to-an-end-the-great-delft-thunderclap-of-1654/ |title=The Day the World Came to an End: the Great Delft Thunderclap of 1654 |date=14 October 2004 |publisher=Radio Netherlands }}</ref> when a [[gunpowder]] store exploded, destroying much of the city. More than 100 were killed and thousands were injured.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cumming |first=Laura |year=2023 |title= Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death |location=New York |publisher=Scribner  |isbn=978-1-9821-8174-1 }}</ref>
+The '''Delft Explosion''', also known as the '''Delft Thunderclap''', occurred on 12 October 1654<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/the-day-the-world-came-to-an-end-the-great-delft-thunderclap-of-1654/ |title=The Day the World Came to an End: the Great Delft Thunderclap of 1654 |date=14 October 2004 |publisher=Radio Netherlands |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405210613/http://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/the-day-the-world-came-to-an-end-the-great-delft-thunderclap-of-1654/ |url-status=live }}</ref> when a [[gunpowder]] store exploded, destroying much of the city. Today, the explosion is primarily remembered for killing [[Rembrandt]]'s most promising pupil, [[Carel Fabritius]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=‘Providential Discourse’ Reconsidered: The Case of the Delft Thunderclap (1654) |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/action/cookieAbsent |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=www.tandfonline.com |doi=10.1080/03096564.2016.1159869#d1e139}}</ref> and destroying nearly all his works.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Vermeer's Delft Today |url=https://www.essentialvermeer.com/delft/delft_today/delft_today_start.html |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=www.essentialvermeer.com}}</ref>
-About {{cvt|30|t|1|lk=on}} of gunpowder were stored in [[Barrel (storage)|barrels]] in a [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]] in a former [[Order of Poor Ladies|Clarist]] [[convent]] in the Doelenkwartier district, where the Paardenmarkt is now located. Cornelis Soetens, the keeper of the magazine, opened the store to check a sample of the powder and a huge explosion followed. Fortunately, many citizens were away, visiting a market in [[Schiedam]] or a fair in [[The Hague]].
+In 1654, Delft was ringed by a city wall with some 26 cannon emplacements. To supply the defenses, about {{cvt|30|t|1|lk=on}} of gunpowder were stored in [[Barrel (storage)|barrels]] in a [[Magazine (artillery)|magazine]] in a former [[Order of Poor Ladies|Clarist]] [[convent]] in the Doelenkwartier district, where the Paardenmarkt is now located. The storage of so much gunpowder in the center of town was considered a state secret and thus the citizens were generally unaware of the danger in their midst. On the morning of October 12, 1654, Cornelis Soetens, the keeper of the magazine, opened the store to check a sample of the powder. A huge explosion followed. The exact cause of the explosion is unknown, as Soetens was killed, but it could have been from a spark from the light he was carrying.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
-Today, the explosion is primarily remembered for killing [[Rembrandt]]'s most promising pupil, [[Carel Fabritius]], and destroying nearly all his works.
+The blast leveled the central part of the city, left a deep crater, blew out glass in large radius (including the stained glass and roof of the [[Nieuwe Kerk (Delft)|Nieuwe Kerk]]), and started fires that began to spread. The explosion was heard on the island of [[Texel]], some {{Convert|70|mi|km|abbr=on}} away.<ref name=":0" />
+Fortunately, many citizens were away, visiting a market in [[Schiedam]] or a fair in [[The Hague]], so there were fewer casualties than might have been expected. A considerable rescue operation began after the blast. In one notable instance, a young infant was discovered still alive under the rubble after a day of searching. But otherwise, few survivors were found.<ref name=":1" /> Most accounts state that more than 100 were killed and thousands were injured.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Cumming |first=Laura |year=2023 |title= Thunderclap: A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death |location=New York |publisher=Scribner  |isbn=978-1-9821-8174-1 }}</ref> The exact death toll is unknown. The lower bound of the death toll was 54,<ref name=":0" /> and the upper bound is several hundred.{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}}
 Delft artist [[Egbert van der Poel]] painted several pictures of Delft showing the devastation.
-The gunpowder store (Dutch: Kruithuis) was subsequently re-housed, a 'cannonball's distance away', outside the city, in a new building designed by architect [[Pieter Post]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Historie: Het Kruithuis |language=nl |publisher=Scoutcentrum Delft |url=https://www.scoutcentrumdelft.nl/historie }}</ref>
+The gunpowder store (Dutch: Kruithuis) was subsequently re-housed, a 'cannonball's distance away', outside the city, in a new building designed by architect [[Pieter Post]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historie: Het Kruithuis |language=nl |publisher=Scoutcentrum Delft |url=https://www.scoutcentrumdelft.nl/historie |access-date=2023-07-10 |archive-date=2023-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529213958/https://www.scoutcentrumdelft.nl/historie |url-status=live }}</ref> The destroyed area closest to the blast was eventually repurposed as the city's horse market.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=Brian |title=Blow Up {{!}} Brian Dillon |url=https://cabinetmagazine.org/issues/43/dillon.php |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=cabinetmagazine.org |language=en}}</ref>
+The explosion generated significant discourse on [[divine providence]]. Contemporary writers viewed the explosion as a divine intervention. Some saw it as a divine punishment, which also had the effect of inflaming religious tensions. The city was chiefly [[Protestantism|Protestant]], but had allowed a [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] presence to remain. Those who saw it as divine punishment put forth various potential sins that were being punished, such as allowing Catholicism to remain in the city, or more general moral corruption. Other writers were more circumspect and sought to uphold the social fabric. Minister Petrus de Witte felt that the explosion was a mercy and a sign for the people to live pious lives. The poet [[Joost van den Vondel]] concluded that the disaster was proof that divine providence is inscrutable.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" />
 ==Sights==
@@ Line 122: / Line 126: @@
 *The [[Vermeer Centre]] in the re-built [[Guild of Saint Luke|Guild house of St. Luke]].
 *The historical "Waag" building (Weigh house).
-*Windmill [[De Roos]], a [[tower mill]] built {{Circa|1760}}. Restored to working order in 2013.<ref name=Mill>{{cite web |url=http://www.molendatabase.nl/nederland/molen.php?nummer=959 |title=Delft, Zuid-Holland |publisher=Molendatabase |language=nl |access-date=22 October 2014}}</ref> Another windmill that formerly stood in Delft, [[Het Fortuyn, Delft|Het Fortuyn]], was dismantled in 1917 and re-erected at the [[Netherlands Open Air Museum]], [[Arnhem]], [[Gelderland]] in 1920.
+*Windmill [[De Roos]], a [[tower mill]] built {{Circa|1760}}. Restored to working order in 2013.<ref name=Mill>{{cite web |url=http://www.molendatabase.nl/nederland/molen.php?nummer=959 |title=Delft, Zuid-Holland |date=1760 |publisher=Molendatabase |language=nl |access-date=22 October 2014}}</ref> Another windmill that formerly stood in Delft, [[Het Fortuyn, Delft|Het Fortuyn]], was dismantled in 1917 and re-erected at the [[Netherlands Open Air Museum]], [[Arnhem]], [[Gelderland]] in 1920.
-*Royal Delft also known as De Porceleyne Fles, is a great place which showcases Delft ware.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.royaldelft.com/ |title=Royal Delft. Ontdek de wereld van koninklijk Delfts Blauw. |website=www.royaldelft.com |access-date=2019-12-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Welcome to delfthuis.com |url=http://www.delfthuis.com/ |website=delfthuis.com}}</ref>
+*Royal Delft also known as De Porceleyne Fles, is a great place which showcases Delft ware.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.royaldelft.com/ |title=Royal Delft. Ontdek de wereld van koninklijk Delfts Blauw. |website=www.royaldelft.com |access-date=2019-12-30 |archive-date=2019-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629015448/https://www.royaldelft.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |title=Welcome to delfthuis.com |url=http://www.delfthuis.com/ |website=delfthuis.com |archive-date=2023-05-28 |access-date=2019-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528221652/http://delfthuis.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 *Science Center attracts kids as well as adults.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tudelft.nl/sciencecentre/ |title=Science Centre Delft |website=TU Delft |language=nl |access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.museumkids.nl/museum/171 |title=Museumkids |website=Museumkids.nl |language=nl |access-date=2020-01-02}}</ref>
@@ Line 146: / Line 150: @@
 ==Education==
 [[File:TU Delft buildings.jpg|thumb|TU Delft buildings]]
-[[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft) is one of [[4TU|four universities of technology]] in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.4tu.nl/en/ |title=4TU.Federation |website=4tu.nl}}</ref> It was founded as an academy for civil engineering in 1842 by [[William II of the Netherlands|King William II]]. As of 2022, well over 27,000 students are enrolled.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studentenaantallen TU Delft stabiel |url=https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204193400fw_/https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Delft University of Technology}}</ref>
+[[Delft University of Technology]] (TU Delft) is one of [[4TU|four universities of technology]] in the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.4tu.nl/en/ |title=4TU.Federation |website=4tu.nl}}</ref> It was founded as an academy for civil engineering in 1842 by [[William II of the Netherlands|King William II]]. As of 2022, well over 27,000 students are enrolled.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Studentenaantallen TU Delft stabiel |url=https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204193400/https://www.tudelft.nl/2022/tu-delft/studentenaantallen-tu-delft-stabiel |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |website=Delft University of Technology |access-date=April 27, 2024 }}</ref>
 The [[UNESCO-IHE]] Institute for Water Education, providing postgraduate education for people from developing countries, draws on the strong tradition in [[water management]] and [[hydraulic engineering]] of the Delft university.
@@ Line 155: / Line 159: @@
 ==Economy==
-In the local economic field, essential elements are:
+Major elements in Delft's local economy are:
-*education; (amongst others [[Delft University of Technology]]) ({{As of|2017}} 21.651 students and 4.939 full-time employees),
+*'''Education,''' including [[Delft University of Technology]] with approximately 26,000 students and 7,500 full-time employees.
-*scientific research; (amongst others "TNO" [[Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research]]), Stichting Deltares, Nederlands Normalisatie-Instituut, [[UNESCO-IHE]] Institute for water education, [[Technopolis Innovation Park Delft|Technopolis Innovation Park]];
+*'''Scientific research,''' including TNI ([[Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research]]), Stichting Deltares, Nederlands Normalisatie-Instituut, [[UNESCO-IHE]] Institute for water education, [[Technopolis Innovation Park Delft|Technopolis Innovation Park]].
-*tourism; (about one million registered visitors a year),
+*'''Tourism,''' with about one million registered visitors yearly.
-*industry; (DSM Gist Services BV, ([[Delftware]]) earthenware production by [[De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles]], [[Exact Holding|Exact Software Nederland BV]], TOPdesk, Ampelmann)
+*'''Industry,''' including DSM Gist Services BV, [[Delftware]] earthenware production by [[De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles]], [[Exact Holding|Exact Software Nederland BV]], TOPdesk, Ampelmann.
-*retail; ([[IKEA]] (Inter IKEA Systems B.V., owner and worldwide franchisor of the IKEA Concept, is based in Delft), Makro, Eneco Energy NV).
+*'''Retail''', including [[IKEA]] (Inter IKEA Systems B.V., owner and worldwide franchisor of the IKEA Concept), Makro, Eneco Energy NV.
 ==Nature and recreation==
@@ Line 168: / Line 172: @@
 Inside the city, apart from a central park, there are several smaller town parks, including "Nieuwe Plantage", "Agnetapark", "Kalverbos".
 There is also the [[Botanical Garden]] of the TU and an [[arboretum]] in Delftse Hout.
+== Politics ==
+The latest municipal council elections were held on March 18, 2026.
+{| class="wikitable"
+|+
+! rowspan="2" |Party
+! colspan="3" |2026<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 19, 2026 |title=Voorlopige einduitslag bekend |url=https://www.delft.nl/voorlopige-einduitslag-bekend |work=Gemeente Delft}}</ref>
+! colspan="3" |2022<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Gemeenteraad 16 maart 2022 - Delft |url=https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20220316/731128 |work=Kiesraad |access-date=March 23, 2026 |archive-date=July 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718172235/https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20220316/731128 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+! colspan="2" |2018<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2018 |title=Gemeenteraad 21 maart 2018 - Delft |url=https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20180321/671712 |work=Kiesraad |access-date=March 23, 2026 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117162930/https://www.verkiezingsuitslagen.nl/verkiezingen/detail/GR20180321/671712 |url-status=live }}</ref>
+|-
+!%
+!Seats
+!Diff.
+!%
+!Seats
+!Diff.
+!%
+!Seats
+|-
+|{{Color box|00743C|}} [[GroenLinks–PvdA|GroenLinks-PvdA]]
+|20.1
+|9
+|{{Steady}} 0
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|-
+|{{Color box|00AE41}} [[Democrats 66|D66]]
+|16.9
+|7
+|{{Increase}} 1
+|14.5
+|6
+|{{Increase}} 1
+|13.6
+|5
+|-
+|{{Color box|FDE600}} [[Studenten Techniek In Politiek|STIP]]
+|14.0
+|6
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|15.8
+|6
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|14.8
+|6
+|-
+|{{Color box|A7282A}} Hart voor Delft
+|13.1
+|5
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|13.5
+|5
+|{{Increase}} 5
+| -
+| -
+|-
+|{{Color box|0328CB}} [[People's Party for Freedom and Democracy|VVD]]
+|7.1
+|3
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|8.3
+|3
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|8.9
+|3
+|-
+|{{Color box|1F9359}} [[Christian Democratic Appeal|CDA]]
+|4.6
+|2
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|5.1
+|2
+|{{Decrease}} 1
+|8.3
+|3
+|-
+|{{Color box|CBBB9F}} Onafhankelijk Delft
+|4.1
+|1
+|{{Decrease}} 1
+|4.7
+|2
+|{{Decrease}} 3
+|11.8
+|5<ref name="split">{{Cite web |date=April 30, 2020 |title=Martin Stoelinga verder met Grobben en De Wit |url=https://www.ad.nl/delft/martin-stoelinga-verder-met-grobben-en-de-wit~a74f137e/ |work=AD |access-date=March 23, 2026 |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409013901/https://www.ad.nl/delft/martin-stoelinga-verder-met-grobben-en-de-wit~a74f137e/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
+|-
+|{{Color box|00743C}} [[Party for the Animals|PvdD]]
+|3.8
+|1
+|{{Increase}} 1
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|-
+|{{Color box|582C83}} [[Volt Netherlands|Volt]]
+|3.5
+|1
+|{{Decrease}} 1
+|4.6
+|2
+|{{Increase}} 2
+| -
+| -
+|-
+|{{Color box|A71C20}} [[Forum for Democracy|FvD]]
+|3.4
+|1
+|{{Increase}} 1
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|-
+|{{Color box|00A7EB}} [[Christian Union (Netherlands)|CU]]
+|3.4
+|1
+|{{Decrease}} 1
+|4.7
+|2
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|5.9
+|2
+|-
+|{{Color box|FF0000}} [[Socialist Party (Netherlands)|SP]]
+|3.2
+|1
+|{{Decrease}} 1
+|5.8
+|2
+|{{Decrease}} 1
+|7.8
+|3
+|-
+|{{Color box|234672}} [[Party for Freedom|PVV]]
+|3.0
+|1
+|{{Increase}} 1
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|-
+|{{Color box|00743C|}} [[GroenLinks]]
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|13.6
+|6
+|{{Decrease}} 1
+|15.9
+|7
+|-
+|{{Color box|#df111a|}} [[PvdA]]
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|7.1
+|3
+|{{Steady}} 0
+|7.3
+|3
+|-
+|{{Color box|#ffff00|}} [[Bij1|Bij21]]
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|2.1
+|0
+|{{Steady}} 0
+| -
+| -
+|-
+|{{Color box|#f5c154|}} Stadsbelangen Delft
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+| -
+|5.8
+|2<ref name="abolish">{{Cite web |date=March 18, 2021 |title=Persbericht naamswijziging Stadsbelangen Delft |url=https://www.stadsbelangendelft.nl/?p=18216#more-18216 |work=Stadsbelangen}}</ref>
+|}
 ==Notable people==
@@ Line 194: / Line 387: @@
 *[[Harmen Steenwijck]] (ca. 1612–ca. 1656), painter of [[still life]]s and fruit
 *[[Jacob Willemsz Delff the Younger]] (1619–1661), portrait painter
-*[[David Beck]] (1621–1656), portrait painter
+*[[Jodocus Van Lodenstein]] (1620–1677), poet, minister, and theologian.
+*[[David Beck (painter)|David Beck]] (1621–1656), portrait painter
 *[[Egbert van der Poel]] (1621–1664), genre and landscape painter
 *[[Daniel Vosmaer]] (1622–1666), painter
@@ Line 246: / Line 440: @@
 *[[Michèle Van de Roer]] (born 1956), artist, designer, photographer and engraver
 *[[Mariska Hulscher]] (born 1964), TV presenter<ref>{{cite web |title=Mariska Hulscher |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1506196/ |website=IMDb |access-date=13 January 2020}}</ref>
-*[[Emma Kirchner]] (1830 - 1909), first woman photographer in Delft area<ref>{{Cite web |title=Depth of Field {{!}} Scherptediepte |url=https://depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl/2035f06nl/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl}}</ref>
+*[[Emma Kirchner]] (1830–1909), first woman photographer in Delft area<ref>{{Cite web |title=Depth of Field {{!}} Scherptediepte |url=https://depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl/2035f06nl/ |access-date=2023-01-18 |website=depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl |archive-date=2021-02-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210101503/https://depthoffield.universiteitleiden.nl/2035f06nl/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
 *[[Wessel van Diepen]] (born 1966), radio host, music producer and former TV presenter<ref>{{cite web |title=Wessel van Diepen |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5015260/ |website=IMDb |access-date=13 January 2020}}</ref>
 *[[Rob Das]] (born 1969), film and TV actor, director and writer<ref>{{cite web |title=Rob Das |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0201909/ |website=IMDb}}</ref>
@@ Line 274: / Line 468: @@
 *[[Arantxa Rus]] (born 1990), tennis player
 *[[Kelly Vollebregt]] (born 1995), handball player
-*[[Victoria Pelova]] (born 1999), football player
+*[[Victoria Pelova]] (born 1999), football player, [[UEFA Women's Champions League|Champions League]] winner
 *[[Tijmen van der Helm]] (born 2004), racing driver
@@ Line 282: / Line 476: @@
 *[[Nuna]] is a series of crewed solar-powered vehicles, built by students at the Delft University of Technology, that won the [[World solar challenge]] in Australia seven times in the last nine competitions (in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013, 2015 and 2017).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/dashboard/timing |title=World Solar Challenge 2017 |website=worldsolarchallenge.org |access-date=2017-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016115813/https://worldsolarchallenge.org/dashboard/timing |archive-date=2017-10-16 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 *The so-called "[[Superbus (transport)|Superbus]]" project aims to develop high-speed coaches capable of speeds of up to {{cvt|250|km/h|0|abbr=out}} together with the supporting infrastructure including special highway lanes constructed separately next to the nation's highways; this project was led by Dutch astronaut professor [[Wubbo Ockels]] of the Delft University of Technology.
-*Members of both Delft Student Rowing Clubs [[Proteus-Eretes]] and Laga have won many international trophies, including Olympic medals, in the past.
+*Members of both Delft Student Rowing Clubs [[Proteus-Eretes]] and Laga have won many international trophies, including Olympic medals.
-*Formula Student Team Delft is a student racing team that has won the Formula Student competition format in Germany three times in a row, their workplace is located along the shie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fsteamdelft.nl/|title=HOME|website=DUT23}}</ref>
+*The Formula Student Team Delft has won the Formula Student racing competition format in Germany three times in a row; their workplace is located along the shie.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fsteamdelft.nl/|title=HOME|website=DUT23}}</ref>
-*The Human Power Team Delft & Amsterdam, a team consisting mainly of students from the Delft University of Technology, has won The World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) four times. This is an international contest for [[recumbent bicycle|recumbents]] in the US state of Nevada, the aim of which is to break speed records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2016/speedchallenge.htm |title=The Recumbent Bicycle and Human Powered Vehicle Information Center |website=recumbents.com}}</ref> They set the [[Sebastiaan Bowier|world record]] of 133.78 kilometres an hour (83.13&nbsp;mph) in 2013.
+*The Human Power Team Delft & Amsterdam, consisting mainly of students from the Delft University of Technology, has won The World Human Powered Speed Challenge (WHPSC) four times, an international contest for [[recumbent bicycle|recumbents]] in the US state of Nevada, the aim of which is to break speed records.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/whpsc2016/speedchallenge.htm |title=The Recumbent Bicycle and Human Powered Vehicle Information Center |website=recumbents.com}}</ref> They set the [[Sebastiaan Bowier|world record]] of 133.78 kilometres an hour (83.13&nbsp;mph) in 2013.
 ==International relations==
@@ Line 387: / Line 581: @@
 [[Category:Municipalities of South Holland]]
 [[Category:Populated places in South Holland]]
-[[Category:Industrial fires and explosions]]
+[[Category:Industrial fires and explosions in Europe]]
+[[Category:States and territories established in 1246]]

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