International collection
The museum’s display starts with the pipe’s origins in
North American. They were first used by the American Indians as far back
as 500 BC. The collection proceed
through history up to the present times, including
varieties like the famous Gouda
churchwarden and artistic pipes carved from meerschaum and
wood. The German porcelain
pipe bowls with hand painted miniatures and French pipes with portraits of famous contemporaries are especially remarkable –
elevating a simple implement into a conversation piece.
Besides European pipes, the museum presents smoking paraphernalia from over sixty countries. Some of the highlights
include the Turkish water pipes,
African ceremonial pipes, finely-carved Maori pipes and
precious Chinese opium pipes. In short, this is the place to experience global smoking culture.
Museum gift shop
Located in the basement under the museum, the shop offers a
great selection for pipe collectors as well as anyone looking for a unique gift
or gadget. The shop’s smoking supplies range from kitsch to handcrafted
designs. For those with a passionate interest in pipes, you can also purchase a
range of books and publications, many of which were written by the collector
himself.
