In Amsterdam’s prestigious Spiegelkwartier art district, Kramer Kunst & Antiek stands as a living museum of Dutch cultural heritage. This family-owned antique shop, located at Prinsengracht 807 near the Rijksmuseum, has captivated both locals and tourists for over sixty years with its extraordinary collection of Dutch antiques. As an official dealer of Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles), Kramer offers an authentic glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich artistic tradition, from exquisite Delftware to historical tiles spanning four centuries.
A Living Museum of Dutch History
What makes Kramer Kunst & Antiek truly exceptional is its astonishing collection of antique Dutch tiles—one of the world’s largest with approximately 500,000 pieces. This ceramic timeline of Dutch cultural evolution stretches from the 1600s to the present day, offering a tangible connection to the Golden Age when the Netherlands’ artistic influence reached across the globe. The current owner, Eduard Kramer, continues the family tradition of preserving these cultural treasures, maintaining the shop’s reputation as a “household name” in Amsterdam’s antique scene.
The shop’s dual-location strategy speaks to the depth of its offerings. While the elegant Amsterdam gallery showcases curated masterpieces, their expansive 2000-square-meter warehouse in Wormerveer houses architectural salvage, including complete historical shop interiors, antique doors, and the bulk of their remarkable tile collection. This approach allows Kramer to cater to everyone from casual souvenir hunters to serious collectors and architectural restoration projects.
Why Visit This Antique Wonderland?
Step through the doors of Kramer Kunst & Antiek and you’ll discover a world where time seems suspended. Beyond their renowned tiles and Delftware, the shop features an impressive array of:
- 17th-century artifacts like Bartmann jugs and Rumer glasses that appear in Golden Age paintings
- Antique clocks, watches, and fine jewelry for collectors of timeless elegance
- Archaeological finds that connect visitors to the Netherlands’ rich past
- Architectural elements that bring historic Dutch design into modern spaces
- The popular KLM Delft Blue miniature houses—a favorite amongst visitors seeking authentic Dutch souvenirs
What truly sets Kramer apart is its blend of museum-quality pieces and accessible collectibles. Their status as an official Royal Delft dealer ensures authenticity whether you’re admiring antique “Old Blue Delftware” or contemporary pieces. The knowledgeable staff—part of the Kramer family legacy—bring these historical treasures to life with stories and context that enhance your understanding of Dutch cultural heritage.
For visitors seeking a unique Amsterdam experience, timing your visit during the Art Amsterdam fair in spring offers an especially vibrant perspective on the Spiegelkwartier area. Winter visits create a magical atmosphere as antique lamps cast a warm glow over centuries-old treasures, evoking scenes from Vermeer paintings.
Experience Dutch Heritage Firsthand
Whether you’re a serious collector, an interior designer seeking authentic Dutch elements, or simply a curious traveler looking for a meaningful connection to Amsterdam’s artistic soul, Kramer Kunst & Antiek offers an unforgettable journey through the Netherlands’ creative legacy. Their online shop with worldwide shipping extends this experience beyond Amsterdam, though the digital selection represents only a fraction of their vast inventory.
Step away from the tourist crowds and into this treasure trove of Dutch history, where each antique tile, delicate piece of Delftware, and architectural element tells a story of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. In a city renowned for its artistic treasures, Kramer Kunst & Antiek stands as one of Amsterdam’s most authentic gems, connecting visitors to the soul of Dutch design across the centuries.