It’s that time of year again. With KLM turning 106, it’s time for a new Delft House.
The 106th Delft Blue house is the former sexton’s residence, Villa Rameau, located next to the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The Pilgrims stayed here for twelve years before they set sail on the Mayflower to America in 1620.
The Pilgrims’ journey began a lasting connection across the Atlantic, one that KLM has proudly continued for 106 years.
Villa Rameau, now home to the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, has a storied past. The Pilgrims’ first harvest festival here, inspired by the Relief of Leiden, eventually became what Americans know as Thanksgiving, a tradition still honoured every year at the Pieterskerk.
Later, the Rameau family, residents of the house, played a crucial role in the local resistance during World War II. This spot in Leiden stands for perseverance in turbulent times and forging new bonds.
KLM has played a key role in linking the Netherlands and Europe with the United States. As part of the Air France-KLM Group and in a Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM carries millions of passengers each year between Europe and the US, serving a network of fifteen US destinations.
In Quotes
Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM, said:
With the unveiling of Villa Rameau as our 106th Delft Blue house, we’re not only celebrating our birthday, but also the importance of connection and resilience. These values are reflected in the story of the house and the Pilgrims, and they’re also at the heart of KLM. For 106 years, we’ve been building global connections. Especially in challenging times, this house reminds us how vital it is to stay connected. It’s a small symbol with a big story about how we keep innovating and shaping the future of aviation.
Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden, added:
It’s an honor that Villa Rameau, with its unique history and central place in Leiden, is now part of the KLM miniature house collection. This house tells an important part of Leiden’s story, from the Pilgrims to the resistance. We’re proud to see this story shared with the world in this special way.
Another year celebrating Delft Houses
Since the 1950s, KLM has given Delft Blue houses filled with Bols Dutch Gin as gifts to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights.
These miniatures represent special buildings from the Netherlands and beyond, which have become collectors’ items (and a search on eBay will tell you how much they’re worth… some a lot more than others).
Since 1994, the number of houses matches KLM’s age. Each year on October 7, KLM’s birthday, a new house is added to the collection.
It’ wonderful to see KLM continue a tradition that it has built up, with new designs, as well as linking them to its network and the story that goes with it.
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