Discover the Timeless Elegance of Royal Delft Blue at the Royal Delft Museum
When we first came to the Netherlands, one of the first things I read about was Royal Delft. When it comes to deciding what unique souvenir or memento I’m going to take home from a place, I usually look for something memorable and traditional. When we happened to be visiting Delft, Netherlands, I looked up where we could learn more about the iconic Royal Delft Blue and noticed there was a Royal Delft Museum. So, off we went.
The museum offers an amazing glimpse into an art form that has been cherished since 1653 and it’s more than just a museum. You’ll see… As the sole survivor of the original 32 earthenware factories established in the 17th century, Royal Delft continues to celebrate a tradition of excellence, craftsmanship, and innovation that has spanned generations. It would make a beautiful keepsake from any trip to the Netherlands suffice to say.
Get ready to learn more about Royal Delft Blue in the Netherlands:
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Basic Info
- Address: Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR, Delft, Netherlands
- Directions: From Delft Centraal Station, take bus 40, and disembark at Jaffalaan Bus Stop and then walk just a minute from there. You can also just walk. Delft isn’t a huge city and it’s nice to walk through the town. The walk probably takes about 15-20 minutes. We meandered a bit and took a bit longer.
- Hours: Every day: 9:30am ~ 5:00pm
- Closed December 25-26 and January 1
- Admission: Adults: €15, Teenagers 13-18: €9; Children 7-12: €7: Children 6 and under are Free
- Free with Museumkaart, Rotterdam Pass, and ICOMcard
- Buy Tickets Online: You can get tickets in advance on Klook or on Get Your Guide. (We had quite the difficulty with our American cards in the Netherlands and recommend booking things in advance if you can so you don’t rock up and have issue paying to get in places.)
- Audio Guide: An audio tour is included. Make sure to pick it up when you enter.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
Netherlands is famous for quite a few things including tulip fields, windmills, cheese, and then there’s Delft Blue. Since its inception by David Anthonisz v. d. Pieth in 1653, Royal Delft has been at the forefront of the Delft Blue artistry, creating pieces that are as much a testament to historical prowess as they are to contemporary creativity.
Did you know: The Spanish artist Gabriel del Barco y Minusca introduced the blue and white tiles from Delft, Netherlands to Portugal in the 17th century. Today, you can see gorgeous tile-covered facades that tell a story in the iconic blue and white Portuguese tiles that were created after inspiration from Delft.
When picturing Delft Blue, you might picture plates in your grandmother’s cabinet only taken out for special occasions, but there’s a lot to enjoy about this Dutch craft.
Delft Blue is made through the time-honored technique of hand painting with artisans using charcoal for outlines and special brushes for the intricate details which define Delft Blue’s characteristic beauty. This meticulous process involves a unique dye mixture, primarily of cobalt oxide, which transforms through chemical reactions in the kiln to reveal the stunning blue hues hidden beneath the glaze.
The Royal Delft Museum Experience
Whether you’re interested in the historical significance, the tradition, or the artistry, there’s a lot to learn at the Royal Delft Museum. It’s a gateway to the past, present, and future of Delft earthenware. Visitors are treated to a rich tapestry of stories, exhibitions, and a vast collection that chronicles the evolution of this exquisite art form that has been passed from generation to generation and is still made by hand in Delft.
From the Royal collection, a gift for King William III, to the modern interpretations that push the boundaries of traditional Delft Blue, there’s something that everyone should find to enjoy. You’ll want to look closely at each piece and just imagine how long each one took to paint by hand.
More Than Just Blue
While Delft Blue is the most iconic and has some stunning designs, the museum also explores the broader spectrum of Delft earthenware, including the vibrant Polychrome. I was surprised to see the versatility.
Contemporary Creations
The Royal Delft Museum proudly displays a selection of modern pottery that honors its heritage while embracing the future. Collaborations with contemporary artists have led to innovative collections that blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.
Notable works include those by Jan Snoeck, Borek Sipek, and even Dick Bruna, whose beloved character Miffy adds a whimsical touch to the Delft Blue legacy. You can get some really interesting and cute souvenirs in their shop at the end.
Architectural Splendor
The museum features replicas and examples of building ceramics that adorned iconic buildings such as the Peace Palace and the Beurs van Berlage. These pieces, dating from 1880 to 1930, highlight the versatility and architectural significance of Delft ceramics. They had some beautiful wall tiling. Some of it really reminded me of the tiled facades we had just seen in Porto, Portugal.
Take Your Time Through The Factory
After you’ve seen the historical pieces and gone through the museum, you’ll end up in the factory which is really cool. Watch the artisans creating Delft Blue pieces. It’s so impressive and will really inspire you and your kids. Don’t feel like you need to rush. You can stand there for some time watching people as they work who seem unbothered by the attention.
Brasserie1653
After taking in every beautiful thing in the museum, be sure to stop into the on site cafe and restaurant. You can actually enter this space even without a ticket to the museum, so if you’re just looking for a cafe in the area, this is a beautiful option.
There is indoor seating, but if the weather is nice, definitely take a seat in the garden. You can order lunch or have high tea or just have a coffee and a snack. Be sure to walk around the courtyard to see the artwork there as well.
If you have some time while you’re traveling in the Netherlands, definitely consider adding a trip to Delft to visit the Royal Delft Museum. Learn the history, the craft, and the culture of this company. It’s a beautiful experience and space.
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