De Delftse Pauw Delft - Image 1
1 / 3

De Delftse Pauw Delft

4.4
·621 reviews·Rijswijk, Netherlands

Discover the art of hand-painted Delft pottery with factory tours and hands-on workshops. A true taste of Dutch craftsmanship.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Loading map...
De Delftse Pauw Delft - Image 1

De Delftse Pauw Delft

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more personal attention

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the art of hand-painted Delft pottery with factory tours and hands-on workshops. A true taste of Dutch craftsmanship.

4.4
(621 reviews)

"A fun, hands-on experience creating your own Delft tile and learning about timeless pottery techniques."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎨 Paint Your Own Tile!

Book a workshop to paint your own Delft tile. It's a fun challenge and you get to take your creation home! :paintbrush:

💰 Appreciate the Craft

Understand that genuine hand-painted Delft pottery is an investment in quality craftsmanship. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hand-Painted Delftware

Hand-Painted Delftware

Showroom

Witness the intricate beauty of hand-painted Delft pottery, a timeless Dutch craft. Each piece is a unique work of art.

Instagram
Artisan Workshops

Artisan Workshops

Workshop Area

Try your hand at painting your own Delft tile! It's a challenging yet rewarding experience that turns black and white designs into vibrant blue art.

Reddit
Factory Tour & History

Factory Tour & History

Factory Floor

Learn about the age-old techniques and history behind Delft pottery production from knowledgeable staff.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Workshop in Advance

Many visitors rave about the hands-on workshops where you can paint your own Delft pottery. These sessions are popular and often book up, so securing your spot online ahead of time is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Understand the Craftsmanship

De Delftse Pauw is known for its genuine, hand-painted pottery. While souvenir-grade items are available, understanding the intricate process and high-quality craftsmanship behind each piece helps appreciate why these artisan works come with a higher price tag. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Experience the buzz, then explore
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The most personal project we’ve added to our home #delfttiles #homedecor #homerenovation #interiordesign
@mcauleyolivia
78.2K likes • 544.1K views

🎨 Paint Your Own Tile!

Book a workshop to paint your own Delft tile. It's a fun challenge and you get to take your creation home! Reddit :paintbrush:

💰 Appreciate the Craft

Understand that genuine hand-painted Delft pottery is an investment in quality craftsmanship. Reddit :moneybag:

I’m a travel collector. Especially @KLM Royal Dutch Airlines blue delft houses. I now have 6 and can’t wait to collect more! #klm #bluedelft #klmairlines #traveltiktok #travelcollection
@melllypoo
68.8K likes • 1M views
Happy Sunday y’all!! This rare and absolutely gorgeous 22-piece Dutch Delft Pottery Canister & Spice set is available for auction on my site through Noon EST on Wednesday, January 17th. Hand-painted with exquisite detail in the Netherlands at Delft Pottery De Delftse Pauw, this family owned factory has been producing beautiful earthenware since the Sixteenth Century. SB $145 BIN Price $345 Enj...
mimis.vintage.vault
31 likes • 1.2K views

📍 Perfect Stopover

Ideal for a break when traveling between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Reddit :car:

🎁 Unique Souvenirs

Find one-of-a-kind, genuine Delft pottery pieces that make for unforgettable souvenirs. Reddit :gift:

This is a hand painted blue and white Delft pitcher with a Delft Peacock and Floral motif. It was made in the De Delftse Pauw (The Delft Peacock) factory. De Delftse Pauw was named after the original factory called De Paauw which closed in 1774. De Delftse Pauw was founded in 1954 and sadly closed down in 2020. However, De Delftse Pauw made handmade and hand-painted ceramics using many of the same...
jjlo4
12 likes • 194 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎨 Paint Your Own Tile!

Book a workshop to paint your own Delft tile. It's a fun challenge and you get to take your creation home! Reddit :paintbrush:

💰 Appreciate the Craft

Understand that genuine hand-painted Delft pottery is an investment in quality craftsmanship. Reddit :moneybag:

📍 Perfect Stopover

Ideal for a break when traveling between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Reddit :car:

🎁 Unique Souvenirs

Find one-of-a-kind, genuine Delft pottery pieces that make for unforgettable souvenirs. Reddit :gift:

⏳ Allow 2 Hours

Plan for about two hours to enjoy the tour, workshop, and gift shop. Reddit :clock3:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(621 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise De Delftse Pauw for its authentic hand-painted Delft pottery and engaging workshops. The factory tour offers valuable insights into traditional craftsmanship, though some wish for more historical depth. It's a highly recommended stop for unique souvenirs and a hands-on cultural experience. Reddit+1

"What a fun time we had here. Stop here if you’re traveling between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Book your experience online. The five of us had our own tour/class - lots of fun!

Nestled in a quaint spot along a picturesque canal, Delft Pottery will give you a tour, short history lesson and explain the age-old techniques used to make this timeless pottery.

It all takes about 2 hours. You’ll receive your finished work in the post, as it gets fired afterwards. In the meantime, remember your visit by picking up a few treasures in the gift shop.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 🌟"

Joel Herzog

"Genuine pottery work, excellent high quality craftsmanship that produces awesome products. Lucky to get the personal factory tour, meet the charming staff, a place to buy one and only piece of art...No replicas"

Amey Naware

"Lovely place. Interesting to see you the fine stuff is made and why it costs so much more than the souvenir grade items. All made by hand, including the painting. The guided tour could be a little more detailed in terms of the history and techniques."

Aluisio Barros

What People Like

Genuine hand-painted pottery
Engaging painting workshops
Informative factory tours

What People Dislike

Tour could be more detailed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

De Delftse Pauw is conveniently located for travelers between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You can reach Delft by train from Amsterdam Centraal in about 1 hour. From Delft station, it's a short bus ride or a pleasant walk to the factory. Reddit

Yes, De Delftse Pauw is accessible by car. There is usually parking available nearby, though it's always a good idea to check local parking regulations. Reddit

Absolutely! Delft is very close to Rotterdam, making De Delftse Pauw an excellent option for a half-day trip. The train journey is short, and Delft itself is a charming city to explore. Reddit

The most popular and efficient way to travel to Delft is by train, especially if you're coming from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The Dutch rail network is excellent. Reddit

De Delftse Pauw is situated in a quaint spot, and while it might be a walk from the main Delft train station, local buses can get you closer. It's part of the charm of exploring Delft. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the factory tour might be free, it's highly recommended to book your spot, especially if you plan to participate in the popular painting workshops. Booking online in advance ensures your place. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but generally, De Delftse Pauw is open during typical business hours on weekdays and sometimes on Saturdays. It's best to check their official website for the most current information. Reddit

The painting workshop at De Delftse Pauw typically costs around 35 EUR. This includes the materials and the firing of your hand-painted tile, which is then mailed to you. Reddit

Many visitors mention the factory tour is informative and free, offering insights into the production process. However, it's always wise to confirm this directly with the venue. Reddit

Yes, De Delftse Pauw has a gift shop where you can purchase genuine, hand-painted Delft pottery. You can find unique pieces and souvenirs here. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The tour provides a glimpse into the traditional methods of creating Delft pottery. You'll learn about the techniques used for hand-painting and see the artisans at work. Some visitors suggest it could be more detailed historically. Reddit

The workshop is a hands-on experience where you paint a tile using special paints. It's done in black and white, and the iconic blue color appears after firing. It's challenging but very rewarding! Reddit

A visit, including the tour and potentially a workshop, usually takes around two hours. This allows time to explore the showroom and gift shop as well. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the tour and the painting workshop. It's an engaging way for children and adults alike to learn about Dutch culture and art. TikTok

De Delftse Pauw is known for its genuine, high-quality, hand-painted Delftware. Each piece is crafted with care by artisans, making them unique works of art. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

The best place to buy authentic Delft pottery is directly from the source at De Delftse Pauw's showroom. They offer a range of hand-painted items. Reddit

Genuine hand-painted Delft pottery is an investment due to the craftsmanship involved. While there are souvenir-grade items, the artisan pieces are priced accordingly. Reddit

You can find a variety of hand-painted Delftware, including tiles, plates, vases, and decorative items. These make for beautiful and lasting souvenirs of your visit. Reddit

While KLM Delft houses are iconic souvenirs, they are typically distributed by KLM airlines. De Delftse Pauw focuses on its own range of traditional Delft pottery. TikTok

De Delftse Pauw emphasizes genuine, artisan-made pottery. You are unlikely to find replicas; the focus is on authentic, hand-painted pieces. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

De Delftse Pauw offers a fantastic interactive experience for families. The factory tour provides a visual and engaging way for children to learn about Dutch heritage and craftsmanship. The highlight for many families is the painting workshop, where kids can unleash their creativity and paint their own Delft tile. It's a hands-on activity that's both fun and educational, and they get to take home a unique souvenir they made themselves. TikTok

🎁 Collectors & Art Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, De Delftse Pauw is a treasure trove. You can find genuine, hand-painted Delftware that represents the pinnacle of this traditional art form. Understanding that these pieces are made by artisans, with each stroke carefully applied, adds to their value. Visiting allows you to acquire one-of-a-kind pieces of art that are increasingly rare, especially given the factory's closure. Instagram+1

🚗 Travelers Between Cities

De Delftse Pauw is perfectly situated as a stopover for travelers journeying between major Dutch cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It offers a delightful break from the road, allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture and art for a couple of hours. Reddit You can enjoy a short, informative tour and perhaps even pick up a beautiful, authentic souvenir before continuing your journey. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Delft Pottery

De Delftse Pauw is a testament to the enduring legacy of Delft pottery, a craft that has captivated the world for centuries. Originating in Delft, Netherlands, this distinctive blue and white earthenware gained immense popularity in the 17th century, often imitating Chinese porcelain. The iconic Delft Blue style is characterized by its intricate hand-painted designs, typically featuring floral motifs, landscapes, and historical scenes. Instagram

At De Delftse Pauw, the emphasis is on traditional craftsmanship. Each piece is meticulously hand-painted by skilled artisans, ensuring that no two items are exactly alike. This dedication to authenticity is what sets their pottery apart from mass-produced souvenirs. Visitors can witness this process firsthand during a factory tour, gaining an appreciation for the time and skill involved in creating these beautiful objects. Reddit

While the original De Paauw factory closed in 1774, De Delftse Pauw was founded in 1954, continuing the tradition. Sadly, this specific factory also closed its doors in 2020, making visits and purchases from their remaining stock even more significant for collectors and enthusiasts. Instagram

Experiencing the Workshop

One of the most engaging aspects of visiting De Delftse Pauw is the opportunity to participate in their artisan workshops. For a fee, typically around 35 EUR, you can step into the shoes of a Delftware painter and create your own masterpiece. Reddit

The workshop experience is unique because you start by painting your design in black and white. This requires a keen eye for detail and a steady hand, as you're working with the foundational lines of the pattern. It's a challenging yet incredibly rewarding process, allowing you to understand the precision involved in traditional Delft painting. Reddit

After you've completed your design, the tile is fired in a kiln. The magic happens during this firing process, where the special pigments transform into the signature vibrant blue of Delft pottery. The finished piece is then often mailed to you, serving as a truly personal and memorable souvenir of your visit. Reddit