KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is celebrating 106 years with the unveiling of a beautiful Delft Blue house — Villa Rameau, the former sexton’s residence right beside Leiden’s historic Pieterskerk. This charming spot has a special story: it’s where the Pilgrims lived for twelve years before embarking on their famous 1620 journey to America aboard the Mayflower.
A legacy of resilience and global bonds
The Pilgrims’ journey sparked a lasting bond across the Atlantic—one that KLM has proudly carried forward for 106 years. As the world’s oldest airline still flying under its original name, KLM has been a vital bridge between the Netherlands, Europe, and the United States. Now part of the Air France-KLM Group and partnered with Delta Air Lines, KLM transports millions of travelers annually across a network of 15 US destinations, fueling connections that boost economies and enrich lives on both sides of the ocean.
Celebrating this significant milestone, Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM, commented:
“With the unveiling of Villa Rameau as our 106th Delft Blue house, we are 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 are also at the heart of KLM. For 106 years, we have been building global connections. 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,” said Marjan.
Villa Rameau: Where history, heritage, and hope meet
Villa Rameau, now home to the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, carries a rich history. It was here that the Pilgrims celebrated their first harvest festival—rooted in the Relief of Leiden—that inspired what Americans now cherish as Thanksgiving, a tradition still honored each year at the Pieterskerk. Later, the Rameau family, longtime residents of the house, played a vital role in the local resistance during World War II. This historic Leiden landmark stands as a symbol of resilience through challenging times and the forging of new connections—values close to KLM’s heart.
Peter Heijkoop, Mayor of Leiden, shared his thoughts:
“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 are proud to see this story shared with the world in this special way,” said Peter.
HAVE YOU CHECKED THIS OUT: Air France responds to unmatched demand and extends Cape Town-Paris route through May 2026!