Organs in the Old Church
The Oude Kerk has a long organ history. As early as the sixteenth century, the Protestant congregation of Delft had two here. Unfortunately, these were lost in the city fire of 1536. Later organs didn't make it into the twenty-first century either. Today, you have three pipe organs in the Oude Kerk; each is distinguished by its unique construction and sound.
Monumental
The largest organ is the main organ, with a whopping 2,832 pipes. Christian G.F. Witte, from the well-known organ-building family Bätz-Witte, completed this instrument in 1857. It is still used every Sunday to accompany congregational singing. Unlike earlier Bätz-Witte organs, this instrument was made to sound 'full' and 'monumental'.
Bätz-Witte-organ
Monumental
The largest organ is the main organ, with a whopping 2,832 pipes. Christian G.F. Witte, from the well-known organ-building family Bätz-Witte, completed this instrument in 1857. It is still used every Sunday to accompany congregational singing.
Unlike previous Bätz-Witte organs, this instrument was made to sound 'full' and 'monumental'.
Organ from the Armen Church
Demolished
The second organ hangs in the north aisle. This instrument was originally located in the Schoolstraatkerk, in the street opposite the Oude Kerk. This church - also known as the 'poor man's church' - served as an emergency location for the Protestant congregation after the fire in 1921 but was demolished in the 1960s.
Cabinet organ
Student organ
At the back of the church is a so-called cabinet organ: a small organ in a cupboard (cabinet), which can be closed with doors. The Delft student congregation donated it in the second half of the eighteenth century.
Listening?
At concerts you can regularly hear the organs in the Old and New Church. For up-to-date information, please check the agenda or the website.
Discover more about the interior of the Old Church
Click below for more information.
Stained-glass windows
A series of beautiful stained-glass windows complete the Old Church's striking appearance. When the sun shines in through these 'stories of glass' it creates an impressive spectacle of light, lines and colours.
Organs
The Oude Kerk has a long organ history. As early as the sixteenth century, the Protestant congregation of Delft had two here. Unfortunately, these were lost in the city fire of 1536. Later organs didn't make it into the twenty-first century either. Today, you have three pipe organs in the Oude Kerk; each is distinguished by its unique construction and sound.
Graves & Epitaphs
Marble is a stone that lends itself well to ornate sculpture. This is evident from the various beautiful tombs and memorials in the Old Church.
Pulpit
The pulpit fulfils a special function in the Old Church. From this spot, preachers have addressed the faithful every week for centuries. Apart from being functional, however, the pulpit in the Old Church is also highly artistic.
Pulpit boards
Besides the colourful windows, impressive marble mausoleums and beautiful organs, the Old Church's interior also contains a series of seven large nameplates.