By Kavita Mistry 
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has marked its 106th anniversary by unveiling a new Delft Blue house — the former sexton’s residence, Villa Rameau, located beside the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The Pilgrims lived here for twelve years before departing for America aboard the Mayflower in 1620, beginning a transatlantic connection that endures today.
The new Delft Blue miniature, part of KLM’s long-standing tradition of gifting collectible ceramic houses to passengers in Business Class, pays tribute to both Dutch heritage and the airline’s historical ties with the United States.
“As the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, KLM has always stood for connection and resilience,” said Marjan Rintel, President & CEO, KLM. “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. 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.”
As part of the Air France–KLM Group and its Joint Venture with Delta Air Lines, KLM continues to link Europe and the United States through fifteen destinations, carrying millions of passengers annually and supporting trade, tourism, and economic growth across both regions.
Villa Rameau, now part of the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, has a rich history. The Pilgrims’ first harvest festival in Leiden, inspired by the city’s Relief celebrations, would later evolve into Thanksgiving — an enduring American tradition. During World War II, the Rameau family who lived there also played a role in the local resistance movement.
Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden, said, “It’s an honour 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.”
With Villa Rameau added to its Delft Blue legacy, KLM continues to blend aviation history with Dutch artistry, celebrating the enduring ties between the Netherlands and the United States.
