Guided tours in July and August
Always wanted to join a tour through the garden? This summer we offer guided tours every Thursday in July and August at 4 PM.
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Wednesday evening programming
This summer on Wednesday evenings, from 18.00-21.00, you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Hortus at dusk and join green and healthy activities. Most of the activities are in Dutch, but that doesn't mean you can't join. You'll find all the activities listed on this page, as well as a form to sign up. The activities are all free, but purchasing a ticket to enter the garden is required. You can also use your Museumcard or your Hortus Friend card to enter the garden.
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Dish of the Day at the Hortus Grand Café
In June, July and August in the Hortus open on Wednesday evenings until 21:00. The Hortus Grand Café stays open until 20:00 and serves a dish of the day in addition to dishes from the menu. We recommend that you reserve a table one day in advance. Below you will find an overview of all upcoming specials.
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‘Amaryllis and relatives’ on display
As of 28 February 2021 at the Hortus botanicus Leiden: the spring exhibition 'Amaryllis and relatives'.
Please note: the Hortus is closed at least until May 26 2021. The exhibition takes place outside of the paid area and online.
Wearing a mask in indoor areas is advised
In accordance with policy of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, the Hortus recommends wearing a mask in our indoor areas (Winter garden, café and Tropical greenhouse). Customers that make use of the Orangery are advised to only remove the mask as soon as they actually take a seat for the party / event / meeting.
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Please note: gates at Hortus and Leiden University are closed from 10-13 April
The gates of the Hortus and Leiden University will be closed from Friday 10 to Monday 13 April. For a walk through the Singelpark, we recommend walking via the Rapenburg / Nonnensteeg / 5th Binnenvestgracht. Have a nice Easter weekend!
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Hortus gardens and glasshouses temporarily closed due to government Corona Measures
Due to national policy relating to the coronavirus (covid-19) the Hortus will remain closed for public up to and including April 28 2020. Follow our website and social media for further information.
From Columbus to Mayflower: seeds over the sea. Exhibition from 9 April to 26 November 2020
The Hortus botanicus Leiden will be highlighting the plants that made the Atlantic crossing in the exhibition From Columbus to the Mayflower: seeds over the sea, from 9 April to 26 November 2020.
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Extraordinary orchids at the Hortus botanicus Leiden. Exhibtion from 6 - 29 April 2020
Exhibtion with watercolor paintings by scientific illustrator Esmée Winkel about the unique orchid collection of the Hortus of Leiden. On show from 6 March to 29 April 2020 in the Old University Library. Only on Monday - to Friday. A must for orchid and art lovers.
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Small exhibition Fritillaria from 1 March
The genus Fritillaria L. (Liliaceae) has around 140 species, all of which occur in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. More than half of those species are protected and are in danger of becoming extinct, mainly due to changes in the area where they occur and through use for medicinal purposes or as an ornamental plant. In collaboration with the Botanical Garden of the University of Warsaw, the Hortus shows a number of information panels about this genus. Extra Fritillaria native are also planted in the garden, and some Fritillaria will be blooming in the Bulb glasshouse. Do not expect a massive bloom, but you will be able to make beautiful pictures and see a few jewels of flowers.
Photo: University of Warsaw, Krystyna Jędrzejewska-Szmek
Hortus closed during holidays
From Monday December 23 up to and including Wednesday January 1 Hortus botanicus is closed. From Thursday January 2 onwards, from 10 o'clock in the morning, you're welcome to visit our gardens and glasshouses once again. We wish you a warm holiday season.
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Tulip named after Gerda van Uffelen
On December 9, our colleague Gerda van Uffelen officially retired from her position as Head of Collections. She worked at the Hortus for no less than 26 years! We celebrated Gerda and her many years here with a goodbye lunch. There she was presented with a tulip that’s named after her: Tulipa ‘Gerda’, a beautiful reddish pink fringed tulip.
Alongside her colleagues and volunteers, taxonomist and librarian for the Royal General Flower Bulb Association (KAVB) and owner of the KTK tulip association Christian Kolk were also present during the unveiling of the tulip. They’re responsible for naming new tulip varieties.
Incidentally, making a new tulip variety is a lengthy process for which patience is needed. Two different tulip varieties are crossbred, and seed will form in the pistil. Every single seed is a new tulip, but they have to be replanted every year for a couple years for the bulbs to grow large enough, until colored flowers start to appear. So Tulipa ‘Gerda’ has been a long time coming! If everything works out the way we want it, the bulbs will be available for purchase in our Hortus shop by next year.
Luckily her retirement lunch wasn’t really goodbye, because Gerda will continue working for the Hortus as a visiting staff member.
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