History of the Arsenaal

The Arsenaal is a true icon of Delft and an essential part of the cityscape. This literally picturesque and ‘Vermeer-like’ complex holds great (cultural) historical value and has rightly been designated a national monument. Over the centuries, the buildings have served countless purposes and welcomed many residents and visitors.

It is no coincidence that the Arsenaal stands in Delft. In the sixteenth century, Delft was one of the largest and most powerful cities in Holland. The city flourished, thanks in part to its location along major waterways and the rise of trade and industry. In 1601, at the southern tip of the peninsula, a weapons depot was built by order of the States of Holland and West Friesland. This robust building, intended for the storage of arms and ammunition, laid the foundation for the name the hotel still proudly carries today: the Arsenaal.

The city carpenter’s yard, a courtyard for single women, and a large brewery… Already in the middle of the previous millennium, the southern side of the “peninsula” was bustling with activity. Yet true history was made in 1601, when, by order of the States of Holland and West Friesland, a weapons depot was erected at the southern tip. From the early 17th century onward, the Arsenaal housed countless cannons, firearms, bullets, and other weaponry. At that time, Delft played a strategic role in the military defense of Holland, and the Arsenaal was an indispensable link in this effort.

Over the years, the complex expanded beyond its original size. To meet the growing need for storage space and security, several extensions were added: a guardhouse in 1660, followed by the impressive Armamentarium and its accompanying warehouses in 1692. The last major expansion occurred in 1802, when the former East India Company warehouse was incorporated into the complex. This connection to the VOC highlights Delft’s deep historical ties to international trade.

During the 19th century, the military function of the Arsenaal gradually changed. In 1897, it was decided to move the artillery facilities in Delft to a new site near the Hembrug in Amsterdam. By around 1900, the Arsenaal had lost its centuries-old core function as a center for weapons and ammunition, marking the beginning of a new chapter for this historic building.

It is October 1, 1601, when twelve Delft merchants and entrepreneurs charter a ship to set up a trading expedition to Asia. Captain Adriaen Corneliszoon Haai from Delfshaven rents out his ship, De Haai, for a one-way trip to the East. Shortly thereafter, under pressure from the States General, the various Dutch and Zeeland trading companies merge to form the Dutch East India Company (VOC). De Haai is renamed Eendracht, marking the birth of Delft as a VOC city.

In 1649, opposite the office, residence, and warehouse of the Delft Chamber — the East India House — the VOC purchases a large warehouse. Here, goods such as spices, cotton, coffee, tea, and Chinese porcelain are stored and traded. The import of Chinese porcelain ultimately inspires the development of the world-renowned Delft Blue. The VOC grows rapidly and, in 1653, builds an additional warehouse on the Geer to handle the flow of trade goods. After the VOC is dissolved in 1799, these warehouses are merged with the Armamentarium complex. In 1802, the former East India warehouse is officially added to the Arsenaal.

The Armamentarium in Delft dates back to 1602 and has had many functions and names since then. Originally, the complex was built as an arsenal: a storage place for the weapons and war equipment of the city of Delft. It is also where the building earned its nickname “Tuighuis,” a term that would later take on a very different connotation.

After the liberation in May 1945, at the end of World War II, the Arsenaal acquired a new and loaded purpose. Throughout the Netherlands, around 130 internment camps were set up for “collaborators”: people who had worked with the occupying forces during the war. An internment camp was also established in Delft, specifically in the Armamentarium, which became known to the local population as the “Tuighuis.” Here, mainly female prisoners were held. The Delft internment camp remained in use until 1948, when the period of purification was almost complete. After that, the complex closed its doors as a prison and entered a new phase. The Ministry of War took over the building and set up a study collection of military objects, bringing the Arsenaal back to its original military function, albeit in a different form.

After the ‘Tuighuis’ lost its function as an internment camp in 1948, the Ministry of War established a study collection of military objects in the Arsenaal. This growing collection caught the interest of the Army Museum, which took over the management of the complex in 1959. Ambitious plans soon emerged: the monumental building would be restored and renovated with the aim of bringing all military collections together at this historic location. The restoration and renovation took years. In 1989, the great dream became a reality, and the Army Museum officially opened its doors in the Arsenaal in Delft.

The former weapons storage facility was thus transformed into a vibrant museum where military history comes to life. In 2005, the building received a notable addition: a new entrance building was constructed, further enhancing the museum’s accessibility and appearance. However, the future changed once again. In the following years, plans were made to establish a new National Military Museum at the former Air Force base Soesterberg. On January 1, 2013, the Army Museum in Delft closed its doors, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the history of the Arsenaal. The building was preparing for a new purpose, once again with respect for its rich past.

Due to the building’s rich history, the Arsenaal was designated as a national monument and part of the protected cityscape of Delft. During the renovation, historical elements such as the balcony ceiling, brick walls, and the original windows and frames had to be preserved, and these formed the basis for the design. The work began with the installation of systems such as air supply and exhaust systems, electricity, plumbing, and heating. Afterward, wall finishes, floor laying, and furnishing the building followed. Despite challenges such as longer delivery times, the renovation was completed, and Hotel Arsenaal opened its doors.