Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

About the museum

The city of Amsterdam founded the garden in 1638 as a Hortus Medicus, an herb garden that supplied physicians and apothecaries with medicinal plants. In 1682 it moved to its present site in the newly laid-out Plantage district. Through the trade links of the Dutch East India Company, plants from Asia, Africa and the Americas reached Amsterdam, and the garden became an important center of botanical research.

Famous is the story of a coffee plant that came to Amsterdam from Java in the early 18th century. Cuttings from it traveled via Paris to the colonies in Central and South America and are considered the origin of many later coffee plantations.

More greenhouses were added in the 19th century, followed in 1912 by the large Palm House. For a long time the garden was associated with the University of Amsterdam; when the university withdrew in the 1980s, a foundation and a friends' association secured its future. In 1993 the modern three-climate greenhouse was added, bringing tropical, subtropical and desert climates together under one roof.

Today the Hortus is home to several thousand plant species, including an important collection of cycads. As an independent foundation, it sees itself as a link between people and the plant world, with a focus on biodiversity and sustainable practices.

Highlights

• Palm House from 1912 with centuries-old cycads
• Klimatenkas (three-climate greenhouse) with tropical, subtropical and desert climates
• Butterfly House with free-flying tropical butterflies
• Historic medicinal herb garden (Snippendaaltuin) and a carnivorous plant bed
• Orangery with the Hortuscafé and a terrace beneath an evergreen oak

Founded

1638

Director

Carlien Blok

Admission & discounts

The Museumkaart is not valid. Free with the I amsterdam City Card, Stadspas (once a month), ICOM, a press card and as a friend of the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, the Hortus TU Delft or the Pinetum Blijdenstein. Card payment only.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: not available

Mostly wheelchair-accessible, but the paths are graveled and partly narrow. The Klimatenkas has automatic doors; the other greenhouses have thresholds and manual doors. A wheelchair can be reserved; mobility scooters are allowed but of limited use. Accessible restroom in the Hortuscafé (via a separate ramp behind the terrace) – although the facilities list on the same page says there is none. Accessible parking spaces on Muiderstraat opposite no. 30 and on Plantage Parklaan near no. 9A. High temperatures and humidity in the greenhouses; a preparation document is available for visitors sensitive to stimuli.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free family route “Plantentoppers” (year-round, also in English) and Seizoensbingo (seasonal bingo) during school holidays; drop-in workshops during the holidays. Children must be accompanied by adults (ponds, poisonous and thorny plants). Strollers may not be left on the entrance square.

Getting there & parking

Bicycles can be parked right next to the gate. Brief stops for drop-off in front of the gate are possible (approach from the Nieuwe Herengracht); no longer parking.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

Hortuscafé in the Orangery (coffee, cake, vegetarian lunch dishes; only for garden visitors, table reservations for 6 or more). Hortus Store with plants, seeds, books and gifts, daily 10:00–17:00 and accessible without a ticket. No cloakroom and no lockers; rolling suitcases and large backpacks are not allowed.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 80 guests.

Official wedding venue: ceremonies after the garden closes (from 17:15) in the Palm House, booked through Burgerzaken Stadsdeel Centrum. The Orangery for receptions and dinners (60 people indoors, up to 80 with the terrace, from 18:30), the Laranjazaal for meetings of up to 40 people. Photo and film shoots under certain conditions. Contact events department: +31 20 7025 444, events@dehortus.nl.

Plan your visit