Cultuurtuin

Deep within Paramaribo’s vibrant heart lies a sanctuary known as Cultuurtuin. Originally designed as a testing ground for agricultural crops, Cultuurtuin evolved into much more. Established in 1898 on the grounds of former plantation Slootwijk, Cultuurtuin in Paramaribo was modeled after the Bogor Botanical Gardens in Indonesia. The garden’s first director, J.R. Wigman, oversaw its early development. Over time, Cultuurtuin blossomed into a cultural hub thanks to the dedicated efforts of experts and their families. The arrival of Swiss botanist Stahel in 1914 marked a turning point. He and his wife, Mrs. Stahel-Jordi, ignited a cultural renaissance within Cultuurtuin. This included a notable photography exhibition in 1917 featuring the work of the Curiel sisters, who accompanied Stahel on expeditions. Cultuurtuin expanded further to embrace sports, thanks to Walther Edwin Hewitt’s initiative in 1921. With the approval of Dr. Ernst Snellen, a sports field was established, later becoming the Dr. E. Snellen cricket ground in 1954. The cultural growth continued with individuals like Oppenheim, a citrus expert and Zionist, publishing the “Teroenga” magazine. The influence of Geyskes and the Schols-Van Suchtelen couple led to the founding of the Surinaams Museum and the Cultural Centre Suriname. Cultuurtuin’s reach extended even to the animal kingdom. Paramaribo Zoo, an initiative of Johan Pengel, found its home within the garden’s embrace, showcasing creatures like the striking Jaribu, also known as Blasman. Cultuurtuin stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and vision. It transformed a simple agricultural experiment into a vibrant cultural landscape.