Royal Delft

A Guide to Delft, the Dutch City of Blue Ceramics | Condé Nast Traveler

"Immersing yourself here reveals how deeply Delft’s identity is tied to blue ceramics: this is the only remaining blue pottery factory, founded in 1653, now a museum where tradition is literally alive in every hand-painted brushstroke, with each piece starting as black cobalt oxide pigment and emerging from the kiln as luminous blue, always slightly different. The visit combines a guided journey through the history of Delft Blue, the chance to watch artisans painting, join your own painting workshop, and even enjoy a drink served in a painted ceramic cup, and with around 140,000 visitors a year leaving with both memories and pottery, it feels like a vibrant, living craft center rather than a static museum." - Condé Nast Traveler