Prinsenhof in Delft is arguably the most important building in The Netherlands. It was there in 1584 that William of Orange was assassinated, an event which led directly to the formation of the Dutch state.
Today it is a fine museum situated alongside a small canal just across from the Oude Kerk, the final resting place of the city’s most famous son, Johannes Vermeer. The museum stands in a peaceful leafy square with half a dozen magnificent trees, overlooking a beautiful formal garden, tranquil behind iron railings. There are lots of hidden courtyards and secret corners to discover which makes any visit to Prinsenhof a pleasure and joy.
If the scene I have painted for you does not appeal, do not worry because it’s all going to change.
There have been plans offered up and rejected for several years to change the museum building and grounds, to make it, they claim, more modern and amenable to visitors. Amended and tweaked plans have finally been agreed by all parties. Work to “improve” the museum and surrounding area will start at the beginning of 2025. The “new” museum, in which there will be more space for modern and contemporary art, is due to open in 2027. There are those who are reserving their judgement as to the necessity and wisdom of modernising such an important and beautiful historic site.
Before this happens, and to mark the event, nearly forty artists, either from or who have a connection with Delft, have been brought together for De KunstParade which is billed as “Surprising – colourful – contemporary”.
The museum’s promotion for the exhibition states that De KunstParade “scatters the works like confetti over the museum galleries and far beyond” which is unfortunate. Confetti, as we know, is a lightweight, ephemeral thing that is soon blown away on the merest breeze. Much of the work in this show is a good deal more substantial than that.
Almost half of the artworks come from the museum’s own collection, so will be familiar. Abstract paintings by Jaap van den Ende, Bram Zwartjens, Chris Dagradi, Robert Smit and Steven van der Kruit, among others. Supplemented with contemporary (semi-)figurative works from Hanny Reneman, Chung-Hsi Han to Erik Pape. De KunstParade shows a wide variety in art disciplines, materials and techniques. From photographs by Willem van den Hoed and Coen de Jong to a work of art made of enamelled metal by Gracia Khouw and, in one of the interior courtyards, a famous strand beest by Theo Jansen. There are also videos, charcoal drawings, installations, textiles and a carpet made from leaves, twigs and other natural materials.
Who knows what the Prinsenhof will look like two years from now? This will be your last chance to see it as it stood for the past nearly five hundred years and to view some fine local art as well. Michael Hasted 18th October 2024
De KunstParade continues at Prinsenhof in Delft until 5th January 2025 after which the museum will close for two years.
