KLM Unveils Historic Delft Blue House in Leiden for 106th Anniversary

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrated its 106th anniversary on October 7, 2025, by unveiling a new Delft Blue house in the historic city of Leiden. The newly inaugurated house, Villa Rameau, stands adjacent to the Pieterskerk and has significant ties to the Pilgrims who resided there for twelve years prior to their voyage on the Mayflower in 1620.

This event marks more than just a milestone for KLM; it symbolizes over a century of transatlantic connections that have flourished since the Pilgrims’ journey. As the world’s oldest airline operating under its original name, KLM has been pivotal in linking the Netherlands and Europe with the United States. Through its partnership with the Air France-KLM Group and a Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM serves a network of fifteen destinations across the U.S., transporting millions of passengers annually.

Celebrating Connection and Resilience

“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,” said Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM. She highlighted that the values represented by the house and the Pilgrims resonate with KLM’s mission. “For 106 years, we’ve been building global connections. Especially in challenging times, this house reminds us how vital it is to stay connected.” Rintel emphasized that the miniature house serves as a symbol of KLM’s ongoing innovation and its commitment to shaping the future of aviation.

Villa Rameau, now housing the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, carries a rich history. It was here that the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest festival, which later inspired the American tradition of Thanksgiving, an event still commemorated at the Pieterskerk. The Rameau family, who later resided in the house, were also instrumental in the local resistance during World War II, adding to the site’s significance as a symbol of perseverance and connection during turbulent periods.

A Tradition of Delft Blue Houses

Since the 1950s, KLM has gifted Delft Blue houses filled with Bols Dutch Gin to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. These miniatures, representing notable buildings from the Netherlands and beyond, have become cherished collector’s items. Since 1994, KLM has added a new house to its collection each year on its birthday, with the number of houses reflecting the airline’s age. The annual addition celebrates places that connect the Netherlands with the global community.

“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,” stated Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden. He remarked on the importance of sharing the rich narrative of the Pilgrims and the resilience of the local community through this initiative. “This house tells an important part of Leiden’s story, from the Pilgrims to the resistance, and we are proud to share it with the world in this special way.”

As KLM looks forward to continuing its legacy of fostering connections, the unveiling of Villa Rameau serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds formed between nations and peoples over the centuries.