{"id":45,"date":"2023-08-25T15:49:10","date_gmt":"2023-08-25T13:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cultuurtempel.nl\/?page_id=45"},"modified":"2026-05-23T12:24:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T10:24:56","slug":"over-ons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/de-pels.nl\/en\/over-ons\/","title":{"rendered":"About"},"content":{"rendered":"
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History<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The foundation\u2019s 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 \u20ac1.00 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u20ac150,000, based on a portion of the design team\u2019s costs, is to be paid over ten years subject to cash flow. This subordinated loan is classified as equity, significantly strengthening the foundation\u2019s balance sheet.<\/p>\n

The church\u2019s namesake, Petrus A. de G\u00e9nestet, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Themes of De G\u00e9nestet<\/b><\/p>\n

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  1. Faith and doubt<\/li>\n
  2. Impermanence and death (\u201cTo die is no art; to live is far more difficult\u201d)<\/li>\n
  3. Zest for life and resilience (\u201cThe joy of living is the strength of living\u201d)<\/li>\n
  4. Irony and sociality<\/li>\n
  5. Self-reflection and humanity (\u201cI am no better than you; I only look a little deeper into myself, perhaps you will recognise something there too\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    How can you support De Pels?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    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!<\/a><\/p>

    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.<\/p>

    \u20ac 250<\/h3>

    A Delft Blue tile featuring your name<\/b><\/p>

    \u20ac 375<\/h3>

    Become a \u2018Friend of De Pels\u2019 for \u20ac75 per year over five years and receive a tile featuring your name<\/b><\/p>

    \u20ac 500<\/h3>

    Receive a tile featuring your name along with complimentary use of the church for one morning, afternoon, or evening session, subject to availability<\/b><\/p>

    \u20ac 1.000<\/h3>

    Receive a tile featuring your name along with complimentary use of the church for one full day, subject to availability<\/b><\/p>

    Our Delft Blue tiles are proudly supplied by our partner, Royal Delft<\/a>\u00a0.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBecome founding friend<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    Help build an unconventional cultural venue<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Welcome to our dedicated page for prospective Founding Partners.
    On 22 September 2025, we hosted a gathering for our partners.<\/p>\n

    You can find a summary of that evening below,
    alongside a video message from the Chair of the Board.<\/p>\n

    As highlighted in the summary, De Pels shares a historical connection with Johannes Vermeer.
    His famous painting \u2018Het straatje\u2019 does not only depict the house of his patron.
    It also reveals the contours of the hidden church located within that patron\u2019s malthouse.<\/p>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    Become a Founding Partner?
    <\/b>Should you require further information or wish to arrange an introductory meeting with our Chair, please feel free to email Arjen Pels Rijcken at arjen@de-pels.nl<\/a> or call +31 6 55320397.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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