Hortus botanicus Leiden
Come and enjoy the beautiful collections in the tropical greenhouses and garden in the oldest botanical garden from The Netherlands. Founded by the University in 1590 Leiden and decorated in 1594 by Carolus Clusius (1526-1609) as a garden for education and research. In in this green treasure room you will find rare plants from Southeast and East Asia, South Europe and South Africa, some of which are almost in nature extinct.
Summer Exhibition From Columbus to Mayflower
In the summer exhibition From Columbus to Mayflower (April 9 - November 26) you will discover more about the plants who made the crossing from America long ago. The herbal book of the Flemish botanist Rembert Dodoens (1517-1585) forms the guidance. With the informative walking map you will discover the American plants in our garden: van corn, tomato, tobacco pumpkin to sunflower. Of course there is also the regular programming with guided tours, events, workshops and lectures. There is plenty to discover and experience in the Leiden Hortus.
The Hortus botanicus Leiden is the oldest botanical garden in The Netherlands. The oldest section of the Hortus, dating back to 1590, is the current Front Garden. It has been renovated with new plants and in 2000, a new glasshouse was added to form the Winter Garden. The Clusius Garden gives an impression of what the Hortus was like around 1600, when the bonds between the Netherlands and Asia were formed. The exchange of plants and knowledge between these cultures can be seen in the Japanese Garden. The Hortus’ pride, Victoria amazonica, can be admired in the Victoria Glasshouse.