Find the world's largest tulip pyramid vase

When you think of Delft, you automatically think of Delft Blue, which has been made in the city’s ceramics factories since the 17th century. So if you wander through the city streets, you are bound to see Delft Blue everywhere, and not just in shops.

Did you know that Delft even has a unique, metres-high tulip pyramid vase?

Back in time

Let’s start with some historical information. The tulip pyramid vase was specially designed to display tulips and as such it was a showpiece and status symbol. The first ceramic tulip pyramid vases decorated with Delft Blue or Chinese patterns date back to the 17th century, and they became hugely popular during the reign of King and stadtholder William III and Mary Stuart.

In those days, tulips were an iconic and almost priceless status symbol; in their heyday, a tulip could be worth as much as a canal house. Tulip bulbs played a unique economic role as well and are now called the ‘17th-century bitcoin’. 

Like the classic tulip pyramids, Royal Delft’s master painters painted this 12-metre-tall (!) mega-vase by hand. 

The large tulip pyramid stands proudly in the Land Art Delft sculpture garden on the southern edge of the city.  It was Land Art Delft’s founder, Paula Kouwenhoven, who came up with the idea to create this giant version of this Royal Delft icon as a tribute to the city and its famous ceramics product. 

The tulip pyramid can be seen from the A13 motorway and invites people to take the exit into the city and explore Delft’s long history of artisanship, innovative knowledge, and international relations.

You can even admire the pyramid from up close! The entrance to the sculpture garden is located at Rotterdamseweg 205 and offers free access during daylight hours. The park is also a great stop for cyclists or you can join a walking tour. More information can be found on the Land Art Delft website. 