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XII International Conference on Structural Dynamics

In the Old Church (Oude Kerk) with its characteristic leaning tower, you will find the final resting place of many Dutch historical figures from the sixteenth and seventeenth century. The Oude Kerk (Old Church) has been given the nickname of ‘Tipsy John’ (Scheve Jan) for good reason! It leans heavily to one side and even has a distinct bend in the tower. At the time, the people of Delft were not aware that they were building the tower on an old canal that had been filled in. They discovered this during construction, and decided to build ‘vertically’ again on top of the section that was already leaning to the side. This explains the bend in the church tower that we can still see today. Fortunately, the church has been fully stabilised now.

There is also a crypt under the Oude Kerk where many famous historical figures are buried, such as the painter Johannes Vermeer and scientist Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.

The Old Church is our venue for the Plenary sessions and keynote speakers; daily from 09:00 - 12:30 hrs.

Old Church

The conference dinner on the 4th of July will take place in the ‘Nieuwe Kerk’ (New Church). The New Church, formerly the church of St. Ursula (14th century), is the burial place of the princes of Orange. This dinner is included in the conference fee for all participants (and quests).

The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Delft is mainly known for its royal crypt. Nearly all the members of the Dutch Royal House are buried in this church. The most famous grave is that of our “Father of the Fatherland”: William of Orange (William the Silent). However, you can also find the grave of law scholar and writer Hugo de Groot in this church.

The church has had to endure much over the years, and the top of its tower and spire has even turned black. The Nieuwe Kerk was built at the end of the 14th century. Roughly 100 years later, a powerful lightning bolt struck the tower. It was rebuilt later, but to a different design. The tower remained unscathed until the end of the 19th century when it was struck by lightning again. This time the tower was rebuilt using sandstone from Bentheim. This type of stone reacts with acid rain and the tower has taken on a steadily blacker hue ever since. The church still stands proud on the market square and hopefully will remain there for many years to come!

Worth knowing: in good weather you can climb the tower and enjoy a beautiful view out over the city!

New Church

From 1595 to 1972, it was the place for the Delft cattle markets. Nowadays the square is a cozy terrace surrounded by large trees.

Beestenmarkt

The Agneta Park is the oldest factory colony in the Netherlands with a landscape layout. The oldest part is from 1882-1885. E. Gugel designed the cottage-style houses. Landscape architect L.P. Zocher built the park.

Agneta Park

The city hall, built in renaissance style (1618-1620) is constructed around the medieval tower Het Steen which dates back to the 13th century. The tower was used as a prison whose most famous prisoner was Balthasar Gerards, the murderer of William the Silent.

City Hall

Vermeer’s View of Delft is probably the most famous cityscape painted by a Dutch master in the 17th century. The painting shows the view from the top floor of a house on the Hooikade, which looks out over the south side of the harbour.