Van Leeuwenhoek’s Green Lens - exhibition

Van Leeuwenhoek’s Green Lens
Exploring the microscopic world of plants in Delft
26 August 2023 00:00  t/m 31 October 2023 00:00

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek is one of Delft's most famous persons. When he developed his own microscopes at age 40, he observed the world around him from a new perspective and made astonishing discoveries such as the existence of single cellular organisms. His findings were translated and published by the Royal Society, making him well-known all over Europe.
He also used his lens to discover the hidden secrets of plants. Often, he would pin things like tea or pepper in front of his microscope, but he also looked at weeds, different types of woods, or plants he came across on walks. Even though this part of his work is not often mentioned, he artfully illustrated and documented many important findings. He for example discovered how ferns spread their spores and that seeds contain important nutrients for young plants.

As part of the Year of Van Leeuwenhoek which marks the 300th anniversary of his death, we invite you to explore his green lens through our exhibition in the education room and discover some of the plants he looked at by following the walking round through the garden.