When you think of Delft, you think of Delft Blue pottery. And rightly so! This pottery has been famed and coveted ever since its creation in the 17th century. Furthermore, Delft is still the place where you can see and experience the authentic methods used to produce Delft Blue pottery.

We have listed the most interesting and unique Delft Blue hotspots for you.

Earthenware factories
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In the 17th century, there were more than 30 pottery factories in Delft. Royal Delft is the only surviving factory from that period. Would you like to see and experience how pottery is hand crafted in a traditional and authentic setting? If so, visit Royal Delft, and for an insight into small-scale production, De Candelaer & de blue tulip.

Royal Delft 

Royal Delft is the only remaining earthenware factory from the 17th century where the world-famous Delft Blue ceramics are still made. You can see the painters performing their craft with the same passion and vitality in accordance with centuries-old traditions.

In the museum you can admire all the highlights of the iconic collection of Delft Blue and Royal Delftware, such as the blue and white tulip pyramid. During the Royal Delft Experience you can discover the complete history and learn all about the production process of Royal Delftware. Finally, you can wander through the factory and see the production process up close for yourself.

Buy your ticket here!

TIP! A walk along the ceramic route will take you to Royal Delft in 25 minutes. But you can also take the Delft City Shuttle which stops right outside Royal Delft.

De Candelaer 

is a small pottery right in the city center where Delftware pottery is still crafted, painted, and fired in the traditional way. You will be surprised by the wide range of both traditional and modern Delftware products on offer.

The Blue Tulip

At the Blue Tulip, which is also right in the center of the city, the painters decorate each piece by hand in the traditional way. Would you like to get a unique piece of ceramic art? The Blue Tulip will be happy to make a customised piece for you!

 

Royal Delft
  • Closeup Delfts Blauw bord
  • Delfts Blauw muurbeschildering met 'Het meisje met de Parel'
  • Royal Delft
  • Royal Delft
  • Voorkant Delfts Blauw borden op de muur

WALK THE CERAMICS ROUTE
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The Ceramics Route lasts for roughly an hour and takes you past all kinds of ceramic highlights in Delft. Including many Delft Blue exhibits, as you would expect. The route starts under the old chestnut trees on St. Agathaplein, where you can admire the painted pottery lamp posts with a Delft Blue motif and the ‘Homage to Gaudi’, a ceramic Delft Blue bench.

You can find the Ceramics Route here.

Delfts Blauw keramiektegels in de grond in Delft

MARVEL AT THE CERAMIC MAP
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The ceramic map is a map of 17th century Delft, made from mosaic tiles and ceramics. A feast for the eyes with its miniature town hall, a tiny Molen De Roos and a minuscule Hugo de Groot with his wooden chest. Ceramic artist Nan Deardorff McClain created this unusual work with the help of hundreds of volunteers. You can admire it in the Papenstraat.

TIP: The Ceramic Map is also part of the Ceramics Route.

DELFT BLUE FOR YOUR HOME
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Are you looking for a delightful Delft Blue souvenir for your home? The pottery factories in Delft offer all kinds of beautiful objects. On the market square, in the centre of the city, Delft Blue is on display in the shop windows almost everywhere you look. Ranging from genuine Delft Blue crockery to light-hearted souvenirs. At De Blauwe Tulp and Madame Blue, you can watch craftsmen as they paint and decorate the pottery in the traditional manner.

DELFT BLUE TULIP PYRAMID
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The impressivet Delft Blue Tulip Pyramid is located in the Land Art Delft sculpture park in the southern part of Delft. This vase, measuring no less than 12 metres in height, was completely hand-painted by Royal Delft's artists. It is prominently visible, directly next to the A13 motorway, and surrounded by extensive gardens in a sprawling sculpture park. Land Art Delft is open to visitors every day.

Delftsblauwe tulpenpiramide in Delft
  • Royal Delft
  • Royal Delft
  • Royal Delft
  • Delfts Blauw beschildering in actie

DISCOVER MORE
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What else to do in Delft? We have included a list of all the museums and places of interest in Delft here.

Tip: keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Have fun!

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