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For six decades, Keukenhof has been one of the most beautiful places in the world, where spring bursts out in all of its colorful majesty.
Here you can find inspiration and relaxation in a magnificent park environment.
In addition to the more than 7 million flowers planted throughout the garden and fantastic flower shows, Keukenhof has the largest sculpture garden in the Netherlands and is the most photographed spot in the world.
60 years of Keukenhof
In the 15th century, herbs were gathered for the kitchen of Jacoba van Beieren’s castle, which is why the area came to be known as “Keukenhof,” or kitchen garden. The park forms part of the extensive estate owned by Slot Teylingen and includes stunning, unspoiled forests and dunes. The landscape gardeners J.D. and L.P. Zocher, who also designed the Vondelpark in Amsterdam, were asked to create a design for the garden surrounding the castle.
This design, in the English landscape style, has always been the basis of Keukenhof. On the initiative of the then-mayor of Lisse and a few prominent bulb cultivators and exporters, the first flower exhibition was held in the open air in 1949. This expanded to become an annual event which still attracts large numbers of visitors from throughout the world.
New Amsterdam – New York
This year, Keukenhof’s theme is “USA, New Amsterdam – New York, 400 years.” The theme serves to strengthen the bonds of friendship between the Netherlands and the United States, as well as to welcome the estimated 80,000 Americans who will visit Keukenhof this season.
The links between the Netherlands and the United States go back a long time.
In 1609, Dr. Henry Hudson, on behalf of the Dutch VOC (Dutch East India Company), stepped ashore on what is now Manhattan, and New Amsterdam was established. Later, the name was changed to New York and now, almost 400 years later, the most important metropolis in the world is located there.
New York is a city that was founded by the Dutch and is a place where, to this day, Dutch history plays a prominent role. The area of Harlem was named after Haarlem, the capital of the province of North Holland. Wall Street, the name of the financial center, is derived from the Waal river.
This year, Keukenhof will reflect extensively on the historical relationship between the United States and the Netherlands. Visitors will discover a spectacular flower mosaic of the Statue of Liberty, using more than 53,000 bulbs, an amazing American-themed route and an American garden. Besides this, many events with a link to the United States will be organized throughout the season.
Additional activities
In addition to the millions of blooming flowers, Keukenhof has offered many artists the opportunity to display their works in this colorful environment since the official opening in 1949.
Over the years, the park has built up a beautiful collection of statuary, as well as a collection of 150 art objects, all of which are on permanent display at the gardens.
This year, more than 100 artists will exhibit their works in the park.
The bulb growing area’s flower parade will take place April 25. This year’s theme is “Famous Books.” The parade will follow a 40-kilometer route from Noordwijk to Haarlem, and pass through Keukenhof in the afternoon, crossing the “Keukenhof Corso Boulevard,” or Parade Boulevard. This parade is called the “Face of Spring” for very good reason and is the most famous parade in the Netherlands.
The procession will consist of about 20 floats and more than 30 vehicles covered with flowers and decorated lavishly. Musical groups will lead the procession along the length of the Keukenhof Corso Boulevard.
This year there is a new attraction at Keukenhof – whisper boats. These boats are driven by electric engines, are environmentally friendly and are almost silent as they sail through the gardens. Boat trips last about an hour and guarantee the best photographs. Cost is €7.50 per person.
For more information on the Keukenhof Gardens or any of the activities or events, visit www.keukenhof.com. Keukenhof Gardens is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through May 21. (Ticket office closes at 6 p.m.)
