Discover Antoni's Delft Delve into the science of microbiology

Experience the Leeuwenhoek Year in Delft
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In 2023 it will be 300 years after Antoni van Leeuwenhoek died at the age of 90 after a life full of wonder, observations and discoveries. Through his self-made lenses, he showed a micro-universe never before seen by a human being. Imagine discovering a totally unknown world. How do you know what you see? How do you show it? And how do you convince others that the world is very different from what they think?

In 2023 we will remember the wonder and craftsmanship of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek.

Countless fun activities for all ages
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Check out the ‘LOOK!’ exhibition at the Oude Kerk in Delft and a fascinating podcast series. You’ll want to visit the many workshops and a Science Day dedicated to g THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF MICROBIOLOGY with interactive activities. Follow Leeuwenhoek’s footsteps by visiting iconic locations related to his life and work. Learn how ten contemporary scientists are following Leeuwenhoek’s footsteps with work that is having a major impact on society.

Find the entire programme here.

Who was Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
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Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was born in 1632 in Delft, where he spent his entire life living and working. He became interested in astronomy, maths, physics, and chemistry at an early age. Antoni is known for discovering most of the micro-organisms we know today (except fungi and viruses). He made his discoveries using a microscope of his own design and make; his invention remains the basis of the microscopes we still use today.

Discover more of the life of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek 

Discover more about Microbiologie in Delft 

Would he have know Dutch Master Painter Johannes Vermeer?
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Would Antoni and Johannes have known each other? They might well have! Antoni and Johannes are both registered on the same page in the baptism record at the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft. View the page here! We also suspect that Antoni served as a model for two of Johannes’ paintings, The Geographer and The Astronomer. And Antoni was also the executor of Johannes’ estate. What do you think? Would they have known each other?