KLM Adds 105th Delft Blue House to Its Iconic Collection

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has unveiled its latest Delft Blue miniature, marking a significant milestone in its rich history.

Celebrating its 105th anniversary, KLM introduced its 105th ceramic canal house—an intricate replica of the historic ‘Het huis aan de drie grachten,’ a national monument that sits at the intersection of three iconic Amsterdam canals.

This latest addition continues KLM’s unique tradition of gifting Delft-style miniatures to its business class passengers, a practice cherished by travelers and collectors alike since 1952.

Photo: Courtesy of KLM

But what makes this tradition so enduring, and why does it resonate so deeply with passengers around the world?

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has a history of innovation, tradition, and cultural pride. Among its many contributions to aviation, the airline’s unique Delft Blue miniature houses stand out as one of the most charming and sought-after collectibles.

The Tradition Behind KLM’s Miniature Houses

KLM’s Delft Blue houses are more than just trinkets; they symbolize history, architecture, and Dutch craftsmanship. Originally introduced as a clever way to offer passengers a “last drink on the house” while remaining compliant with international gifting rules, the houses have evolved into cherished collectibles.

Each house is a miniature replica of a real historical building in the Netherlands, chosen for its architectural and cultural significance. Since 1994, the number of houses in the collection has mirrored the age of the airline, with a new design released every year on October 7, KLM’s anniversary.

Photo: Mayor of Hertogenbosch Jack Mikkers receives the 101st KLM miniature house from former KLM CEO Pieter Elbers. Courtesy of KLM

The houses were initially produced by Royal Goedewaagen in Gouda, Netherlands, though production later moved to Taiwan. Despite this shift, the traditional Delft-style technique has been preserved.

The miniature houses vary slightly in size but typically measure around 3 to 4 inches tall.

Since 1994, the miniatures have been exclusively handed out to KLM World Business Class passengers on long-haul flights, turning the tradition into a premium offering.

Huisje 105: A Tribute to Amsterdam’s Iconic Canal Houses

This year, KLM unveiled its 105th house: a miniature of “Het Huis aan de Drie Grachten,” or “The House on the Three Canals,” a national monument in the heart of Amsterdam.

Built in 1610, this Renaissance-style mansion borders three canals—Grimburgwal, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, and Oudezijds Achterburgwal—giving it a unique architectural distinction.

“We are celebrating this anniversary in a challenging time for our company,” said Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM.

Photo: Courtesy of KLM

“However, in our 105-year history, we have often faced headwinds and KLM has always shown itself to be creative and resilient in overcoming them. Our goal is and remains a healthy and future-proof KLM,” she said.

The house, with its distinct diagonal and straight angles, underwent a major renovation in 1909 to restore it to its 17th-century splendor. Its oak doors, marble floors, and sandstone door frames were meticulously reconstructed, creating an architectural masterpiece that now stands as a symbol of Dutch heritage.

Over the years, the house has served various purposes, including a bookshop and publishing house, and now it’s immortalized in KLM’s latest collectible.

The Art of Collecting

Since their introduction, the Delft Blue miniatures have captured the attention of avid collectors worldwide. The houses are not just decorative items; they represent pieces of the airline’s and its country’s history.

The first-ever house, introduced in 1952, was modeled after a Dutch canal house filled with jenever, a traditional Dutch spirit. Over time, the collection grew sporadically until 1994, when KLM began producing one house annually to mark its anniversaries.

Photo: Courtesy of KLM

Production of the earlier houses was handled by Royal Goedewaagen, but starting in 1995, KLM shifted manufacturing to Taiwan. This transition means that not all houses are “original” Delft creations, which has prompted collectors to be cautious when verifying the authenticity of certain models.

Differences in markings and slight variations in design can help distinguish older, more valuable houses from modern reproductions.

Collectors should examine each house closely, particularly the base, for distinguishing features such as the distillery name, production year, and house number. For example, older houses may bear the Rynbende Distilleries stamp or a “Simon Rynbende & Sons” paper label, while newer models feature “Bols Amsterdam 1575” and KLM branding.

Special and Limited Editions

In addition to the regular annual releases, KLM has produced several limited and special edition Delft Blue houses, often larger and representing iconic Dutch landmarks. These special editions have never been distributed on flights, making them even more valuable to collectors.

Some well-known models include the Frans Hals Museum, the Royal Palace on Dam Square, and the Scheepvaart Museum. Additionally, a larger version of the Palace on Dam Square is awarded annually to the KLM Open Golf Tournament winner.

Photo: KLM’s 103rd Delftware miniature house is on the island of Aruba. Courtesy of KLM

Notably, KLM also produced a unique set of houses with purple-colored trim to commemorate the resumption of flights to Bonaire in 2000.

These “Bonaire Houses,” which replicate existing KLM miniatures, are highly sought after due to their rarity and distinct color scheme.

KLM’s Other Collectibles

Beyond the iconic houses, KLM has experimented with other Delft Blue ceramics over the years. In the 1980s, business class passengers were gifted Dutch ceramic tile coasters featuring classic Dutch designs like windmills and row houses.

Photo: New World Business Class seat onboard the Boeing 777-300ER. Courtesy of KLM.

KLM also produced ashtrays shaped like miniature houses for markets where alcohol service was restricted, such as the Middle East. These ashtrays are now rare, as KLM has phased them out in compliance with smoking bans on flights.

The Legacy of KLM’s Collection

The enduring appeal of KLM’s Delft Blue miniature houses is rooted in their unique blend of history, artistry, and tradition. For collectors, these small porcelain replicas represent more than just airline memorabilia. They are tangible connections to Dutch culture and the story of one of the world’s oldest airlines.

Photo: KLM’s 96th Delftware miniature is the Hamel House. Courtesy of KLM

As KLM continues to navigate the challenges of modern aviation, the Delft Blue houses serve as reminders of its resilience and commitment to preserving its heritage.

Under the leadership of Marjan Rintel, the airline is preparing itself for the future. “With the package of measures that we recently announced, we are laying the foundation for a strong KLM that will continue to connect the Netherlands with the rest of the world for the next 105 years,” she said.

In the meantime, keep an eye out for this 105th memento if you are flying in KLM’s World Business Class on a long-haul flight.