Museum Paul Tetar van Elven
Step into the preserved 19th-century home of Dutch artist Paul Tetar van Elven, filled with his art, Delft Blue, and exquisite collections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Museum Paul Tetar van Elven
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the preserved 19th-century home of Dutch artist Paul Tetar van Elven, filled with his art, Delft Blue, and exquisite collections.
"A fantastic museum with lots of details to see and very nice, passionate volunteers."
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Volunteers offer passionate insights into the art and artist's life. Essential for a rich experience!
⏳ Allow 60-90 Minutes
Take your time to absorb the details; it's a niche museum with lots to discover.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Artist's Preserved Home
Entire museum
Step back into the 19th century in this authentic canal house, showcasing Tetar van Elven's life and collections.
Exquisite Delft Blue Pottery
Various rooms
Marvel at the intricate Delft Blue tiles and vases, a testament to Dutch artistry and trade history.
The 'Purple Room'
Purple Room
Experience the intimate ambiance of this room, often hosting small concerts, a unique cultural treat.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Intimate Experience
Timing is Key for Deeper Insight
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Volunteers offer passionate insights into the art and artist's life. Essential for a rich experience! +1
⏳ Allow 60-90 Minutes
Take your time to absorb the details; it's a niche museum with lots to discover.
🎶 Check for Concerts
The 'Purple Room' hosts intimate chamber music concerts.
🖼️ Appreciate the Collections
From Delft Blue to Oriental porcelain, Tetar's keen eye for art is evident.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Volunteers offer passionate insights into the art and artist's life. Essential for a rich experience! +1
⏳ Allow 60-90 Minutes
Take your time to absorb the details; it's a niche museum with lots to discover.
🎶 Check for Concerts
The 'Purple Room' hosts intimate chamber music concerts.
🖼️ Appreciate the Collections
From Delft Blue to Oriental porcelain, Tetar's keen eye for art is evident.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Museum Paul Tetar van Elven for its beautifully preserved 19th-century interior and the passionate, knowledgeable volunteers who bring the artist's life and collections to vivid detail. It's described as a niche but highly rewarding experience for those seeking an intimate glimpse into Dutch art and history.
"This private museum showcases the once-upon-a-time beautiful & opulent residence of a talented Dutch painter and copy artist/painter Paul Tetar van Elven. They hold chamber music concerts at the Purple room from time to time. A pleasant place to spend a lazy afternoon."
Jane Sirivong na Ayuthaya
"A house turned into a museum showcasing, pottery, fashion statement and painting. It takes around 60 min to 90 minutes for a visit. Available on kaart."
Shubhi Chandra
"This is a very niche museum, about a person who got rich from investing in the Dutch railway system, and displaying his collection of primarily porcelain and paintings. He had a keen sense of art and copied well known paintings like Rembrant's 'Nightwatch'.
In this museum you get a lovely, personalised tour from an expert, who tells you a bit about living in a house during the 19th century. The guide relates stories about the often valuable collectibles and sometimes quirky art, giving an entertaining look at a bygone time.
There is some unique porecelain from Japan and China that were brought by the Dutch East India Copany.
One Dutch blue tile showed a scene of males being dressed in women's clothing and being hit as punishment. Apparently, it was a known scene in Arnhem about punishing corrupt politicians.
We were very fortunate, our tour guide was knowledgeable, and delighted in explaining the contents of this impressive home, kept exactly as it was in the time of it's owner."
Robin Irwin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Delft on the Koornmarkt, easily accessible by foot from the train station. It's a pleasant walk through the charming city streets.
Street parking in Delft can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a city garage like 'Zuidpoort' or 'Markt'.
Yes, Delft Central Station is a short walk away, and various bus lines stop near the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. They are often open on weekdays and sometimes weekends.
Admission fees are typically reasonable. The museum is often included in the Museumkaart, a popular Dutch museum pass.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for guided tours or during special events, is advisable to secure your spot.
The museum is working on accessibility. They offer special tours like 'Onbeperkt Paul Tetar van Elven' for children with auditory impairments.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a preserved 19th-century interior, the artist's collections of Delft pottery, Oriental porcelain, antique furniture, and his own paintings. +1
Most visitors spend between 60 to 90 minutes exploring the museum, especially if they opt for a guided tour.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended. The passionate volunteers provide in-depth stories about the artist and his collection. +1
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions and events, such as chamber music concerts in the 'Purple Room'.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for specific restrictions on flash or tripods.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a restaurant or cafe. However, Delft's city center offers numerous dining options nearby.
The Koornmarkt and surrounding streets in Delft are filled with cafes, bakeries, and restaurants offering various cuisines.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the beautifully preserved 19th-century interiors, the intricate Delft Blue pottery, and the unique artifacts collected by Tetar van Elven. 
Personal photography is usually permitted, but always check for signs or ask staff about any restrictions, especially regarding flash photography.
The 'Living Room' and 'Dining Room' offer glimpses into the artist's lifestyle, while the 'Purple Room' has a distinct charm.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more enjoyable for kids, consider focusing on the visually interesting items like the pottery and furniture. Engaging them with questions about what they see or asking them to imagine life in the house can enhance their experience. While it's a niche museum, the personal touch from the guides can make it a memorable outing for curious young minds.
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
The guided tours are particularly valuable for this audience, as the passionate volunteers offer detailed explanations of the artworks, their provenance, and Tetar's personal connection to them. The museum's intimate scale allows for a focused exploration, making it possible to appreciate the finer details of each piece. It's an opportunity to connect with a specific period and a fascinating individual in Dutch art history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Life and Legacy of Paul Tetar van Elven
His home, now the Museum Paul Tetar van Elven, remains remarkably preserved, offering a unique window into his life and the era. Visitors can explore rooms filled with his personal belongings, his artistic creations, and his prized possessions, including Delft Blue pottery, Oriental porcelain, and antique furniture. The museum provides a deeply personal and intimate experience, far removed from the scale of larger national museums.
+1The museum also highlights Tetar's role in the cultural life of Delft. He was a fervent collector, and his home became a repository of his artistic and material interests. The carefully curated displays allow visitors to understand his aesthetic sensibilities and his passion for art history. The museum's volunteers are often former guides or art enthusiasts who share Tetar's story with great enthusiasm, making the visit both educational and engaging.
Exploring the Collections: Art, Porcelain, and More
Tetar was also a keen collector of Oriental porcelain, much of which was brought to the Netherlands by the Dutch East India Company. These exquisite pieces from Japan and China add an international flair to the collection, highlighting the global trade connections of the 17th and 18th centuries. Complementing the art and ceramics are antique furniture pieces that furnish the house, creating an authentic 19th-century domestic atmosphere.
+1One of the most fascinating aspects of the collection is its context within Tetar's former residence. The objects are not merely displayed; they are integrated into the living spaces, offering a glimpse into how an affluent collector lived. The museum also features unique items, such as a bust of the Roman emperor Severus Alexander, which was on permanent loan to the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden.
This thoughtful curation makes the museum a rich experience for anyone interested in art, history, and decorative arts. 
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