Program overview

The Tulip. Wild and tempting.

On March 30 the Hortus opens its exhibition on the famous Dutch Tulip and her unique appearance. The Tulip, wild and tempting shows how this small flower seduced and inspired mankind through centuries. The Hortus exhibits over 40 tulip species, among which wild species but also some famous and historical varieties. In the past 4 centuries man has been able to create thousands of beautiful varieties. The typical Dutch Tulip shows little resemblance to her ancient forefathers from Kazachstan. In this exhibition, though, you will find them side by side.
More on the tulip you can find on our website.

Springsnow Festival

For centuries the elm tree has been the number 1 tree of Amsterdam. The city has the highest concentration of elm trees in the world. More than 75.000 elm trees colour the canals of the Dutch capital. And every spring they are responsible of the whirling and swirling clouds of elm seeds on the streets. With the Springsnow Festival the Hortus celebrates this extraordinairy phenomenon.

From April 21st until May 21st there is a route through the city, starting at the Elm Garden on the North side of the IJ-water (next to the Eye Institute) and ending at the Hortus. Everyone can walk this route, independently or by joining the organised tours. More information on these tours you can find on  www.springsnow.nl

Capitulare de Villis

On request by the Hortus Botanicus the design artist Claudy Jongstra made a series of wall coverings for the Oranjerie. The work is called 'Capitulare de Villis', after a proclamation of Charles the Great (747-814) on the cultivation of herbs and food plants. The proclamation is still used as a blueprint for contemporary horti. Specially grown plants, listed in it, now color the wool and silk in the artpiece.

The wall coverings are not only beautiful, they also provide an auditive inmprovement as well as sustainable isolation for the museumcafe.