History
In 2019, the Remonstrant community in Delft decided to close their church on the Oude Delft. The estate, comprising the church building (including the vestry), a sexton’s house and a student residence, was to be sold as a single lot. The Foundation for the Delft Student Community (Stichting voor de Delftse Studenten Gemeenschap) was given the opportunity to place a bid. However, as the foundation only acquires properties for student housing and the church was unsuitable for residential use, they initially considered declining the offer.
The foundation’s chair, Laetitia Smits van Oyen, approached Arjen Pels Rijcken, an acquaintance with extensive experience in real estate and the restoration of national monuments, to see if he would be interested in the church. Following discussions with the estate agent and the foundation's board, it became clear that the church, a Grade I listed building (Rijksmonument), was valued at no more than €1.00 excluding its contents. Ultimately, a winning bid was placed and, after the initial transfer to the foundation, the church was legally conveyed to Pels Rijcken privately.
In 2023, Pels Rijcken established the Stichting Cultuurtempel De Pels (De Pels Cultural Temple Foundation) and transferred ownership to the foundation. The purchase price of €150,000, based on a portion of the design team’s costs, is to be paid over ten years subject to cash flow. This subordinated loan is classified as equity, significantly strengthening the foundation’s balance sheet.
The church’s namesake, Petrus A. de Génestet, was not only a minister but also a renowned poet of his time and a passionate advocate for levenslust (the zest for life). Embracing life was, in his view, essential.
He believed in human strength and the value of personal experience, encouraging individuals to think for themselves and find their own path in both faith and life.
Themes of De Génestet
- Faith and doubt
- Impermanence and death (“To die is no art; to live is far more difficult”)
- Zest for life and resilience (“The joy of living is the strength of living”)
- Irony and sociality
- Self-reflection and humanity (“I am no better than you; I only look a little deeper into myself, perhaps you will recognise something there too”)
How can you support De Pels?
Your name or logo, forever captured in Delft Blue. By purchasing a tile, you become a Founding Friend of De Pels. As a special thank you, all Founding Friends who join before 31 December 2026 will receive a complimentary second ticket with every ticket purchase.
These tiles featuring your name will be set into the wall in the passageway leading to the church. Curious to see how the tiles are made? Click here!
There are four options available. By choosing one now, you commit to your support but will only be asked to make your contribution once the official opening date is announced.
€ 250
A Delft Blue tile featuring your name
€ 375
Become a ‘Friend of De Pels’ for €75 per year over five years and receive a tile featuring your name
€ 500
Receive a tile featuring your name along with complimentary use of the church for one morning, afternoon, or evening session, subject to availability
€ 1.000
Receive a tile featuring your name along with complimentary use of the church for one full day, subject to availability
Our Delft Blue tiles are proudly supplied by our partner, Royal Delft .
Help build an unconventional cultural venue
Welcome to our dedicated page for prospective Founding Partners.
On 22 September 2025, we hosted a gathering for our partners.
You can find a summary of that evening below,
alongside a video message from the Chair of the Board.
As highlighted in the summary, De Pels shares a historical connection with Johannes Vermeer.
His famous painting ‘Het straatje’ does not only depict the house of his patron.
It also reveals the contours of the hidden church located within that patron’s malthouse.
The British historian Andrew Graham-Dixon recently authored a book on the artist titled VERMEER: A Life Lost and Found, which was published in October 2025.
Those who decide to become a Founding Partner will receive a copy personally signed by Graham-Dixon.
Become a Founding Partner?
Should you require further information or wish to arrange an introductory meeting with our Chair, please feel free to email Arjen Pels Rijcken at [email protected] or call +31 6 55320397.
Board of Directors
The Board of the De Pels Cultural Temple Foundation (Stichting Cultuurtempel De Pels) is constituted as follows:
Arjen Pels Rijcken Chair
Barbara van Limburg Stirum Secretary and Social Media
Iskander Pels Rijcken Treasurer
Aletta Hekker External Relationships
External Relations Business Development
Via [email protected] you can contact the entire board.
Programmers
The musical programming will be Arjan Tien curated by Arjan Tien.
Arjen Tien is a conductor, leading ensembles such as the VU Orchestra.
Additionally, he serves as a professor at various conservatories, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
ANBI
The De Pels Cultural Temple Foundation (Stichting Cultuurtempel De Pels), RSIN 865568649, is located at Oude Delft 102, Delft.
Our correspondence address is Graaf Florislaan 12, 1217 KK, Hilversum. IBAN: NL30 ABNA 0128 0491 38 Email: [email protected]
The board members mentioned above receive no remuneration for their services.
Once sufficient funding for the renovation and reconstruction of the church is secured in 2026 based on the final design, permits, and this business plan, we will begin programming various cultural and social events. De Pels is envisioned as a cross between De Balie and Paradiso in Amsterdam. The grand opening is scheduled for the summer of 2027. For further details, please refer to our Annual Report which can be found as an attachment.
