DOK Library Concept Center, Delft
Discover DOK Library Concept Centre in Delft-a surprisingly vibrant, community-centered cultural hub that transcends the notion of a traditional library.
Opened in 2007, DOK emerged from a visionary merger of literature, music & film (Discotake), and art collections under one roof, evolving into a dynamic media centre, and was named the Netherlands’ best library in 2009. Architecturally, its design balances industrial heritage with inviting modernity: a high glass facade and roof-set into a former blast-furnace building-flood the interior with light, while earthy brick tones echo the industrial past.
Inside, expect bold, color-coded spaces-like a red-tinted romance room or a yellow comic section-and playful, adaptable features such as movable bookcases and “iPod chairs” with built-in speakers. There’s also ‘Tank U’ stations for Bluetooth downloads, gaming consoles, and digital multitouch tables for browsing local history.
More than just books, DOK is alive with creative energy: café areas at its heart invite socializing while cozy nooks offer quiet reading. Children are especially well-catered for, with thoughtfully designed age-based zones featuring step stools and seating built into the shelves. Evenings bring community events like concerts, and collaborative programming-think local chef-cooked dinners or storytelling projects-keep the space lively and inclusive.
For tourists seeking a cultural detour beyond Delft’s famed historic attractions, DOK offers a uniquely immersive experience-where architecture, innovation, community, and creativity converge in a welcoming, multi-sensory environment.
Opened in 2007, DOK emerged from a visionary merger of literature, music & film (Discotake), and art collections under one roof, evolving into a dynamic media centre, and was named the Netherlands’ best library in 2009. Architecturally, its design balances industrial heritage with inviting modernity: a high glass facade and roof-set into a former blast-furnace building-flood the interior with light, while earthy brick tones echo the industrial past.
Inside, expect bold, color-coded spaces-like a red-tinted romance room or a yellow comic section-and playful, adaptable features such as movable bookcases and “iPod chairs” with built-in speakers. There’s also ‘Tank U’ stations for Bluetooth downloads, gaming consoles, and digital multitouch tables for browsing local history.
More than just books, DOK is alive with creative energy: café areas at its heart invite socializing while cozy nooks offer quiet reading. Children are especially well-catered for, with thoughtfully designed age-based zones featuring step stools and seating built into the shelves. Evenings bring community events like concerts, and collaborative programming-think local chef-cooked dinners or storytelling projects-keep the space lively and inclusive.
For tourists seeking a cultural detour beyond Delft’s famed historic attractions, DOK offers a uniquely immersive experience-where architecture, innovation, community, and creativity converge in a welcoming, multi-sensory environment.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Delft. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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DOK Library Concept Center on Map
Sight Name: DOK Library Concept Center
Sight Location: Delft, Netherlands (See walking tours in Delft)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Delft, Netherlands (See walking tours in Delft)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Delft, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Delft
Creating your own self-guided walk in Delft is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Johannes Vermeer's Delft Walk
The Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (1632 – 1675) spent almost his entire life in his home town, Delft. He left only a few times, towards the end, on the short trips to Amsterdam and The Hague.
The old Delft undoubtedly was one of the most typical little towns of the 17th-century Netherlands, and as such, was rather picturesque. Just like any other Dutch place, Delft was dominated by its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The old Delft undoubtedly was one of the most typical little towns of the 17th-century Netherlands, and as such, was rather picturesque. Just like any other Dutch place, Delft was dominated by its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Delft Introduction Walking Tour
The word "delven" in Dutch means "to dig." The town of Delft began in 1075 when a nobleman decided to build his dream manor where a canal crossed the silted up river Gantel. A settlement became a market town with a large market square. The town was called "Delft."
Canals were vital to Delft. Flat-bottomed boats brought in products, fuel and people. In 1246 Count... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Canals were vital to Delft. Flat-bottomed boats brought in products, fuel and people. In 1246 Count... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles