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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is celebrating its 106th anniversary by unveiling the newest addition to its iconic Delft Blue miniature collection: Villa Rameau. This is the historic former sexton’s residence located beside the Pieterskerk in Leiden. This symbolic choice honors a site deeply tied to transatlantic history and represents the enduring connections between the Netherlands and the United States.
Villa Rameau, which is now home to the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, holds a unique place in Dutch and American heritage. The Pilgrims lived in Leiden for twelve years before departing for the New World aboard the Mayflower in 1620. During their time in the city, they celebrated their first harvest festival, which later evolved into Thanksgiving (a tradition that remains one of the most significant annual celebrations in the United States).
The residence has continued to play an important role in Dutch history beyond its Pilgrim roots. The Rameau family (from which the house takes its current name) were active in the local resistance during World War II, which adds another layer of meaning to the site as a symbol of resilience and solidarity through difficult times.
As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has built on the same spirit of perseverance and connection embodied by Villa Rameau. Over the past century, the airline has served as a bridge between the Netherlands, Europe, and North America.
Through its partnership with Air France and Delta Air Lines, KLM operates a robust transatlantic network. It carries millions of passengers each year and serves 15 US destinations. These routes not only strengthen cultural and economic ties but also sustain the long-standing friendship that began with the early Pilgrims’ voyage more than four centuries ago.
Since the 1950s, KLM has gifted Delft Blue miniature houses filled with Bols Dutch Gin to its World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. Each collectible represents a historic Dutch building or landmark of cultural significance. Since 1994, the number of houses has matched KLM’s age, with a new addition revealed each year on October 7th (the airline’s founding date).
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.”
Anthony’s Take: The introduction of Villa Rameau as House No. 106 continues this tradition of celebrating places that connect the Netherlands with the wider world. I have six Delft Blue houses and love collecting these when I fly KLM.
(Image Credits: KLM.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
