In 1924, the Gebouw voor de bloemencultuur emerged. It stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s deep-rooted connection with the floral world. The Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens globally, is nearby. It was founded in 1638 as the Hortus Medicus. This garden provided training for doctors and apothecaries. The Hortus Botanicus holds a fascinating history, intrinsically linked to the Gebouw voor de bloemencultuur. The Dutch East India Company brought plants and seeds back to the Hortus Botanicus. These were used for medicinal purposes and to explore commercial opportunities. A single coffee plant from the Hortus became the ancestor of all coffee plants in Central and South America. Similarly, two small oil palms from Mauritius had seeds that spread across Southeast Asia. These became a major source of income in the Dutch East Indies. Johannes Snippendaal, the director in 1646, documented 796 plant species, mostly medicinal. Many still thrive in the Hortus Botanicus’ Snippendaal Garden. This garden is often called “the 17th-century pharmacopoeia of Amsterdam”. The Hortus Botanicus faced near bankruptcy in 1987. The University of Amsterdam withdrew its funding. A dedicated community of supporters rallied together. They ensured the garden’s survival. Now, the Amsterdam City Council supports the Hortus Botanicus. The Gebouw voor de bloemencultuur and the Hortus Botanicus represent different facets of Amsterdam’s floral heritage. The Hortus Botanicus opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Remember, they only accept card payments.
Gebouw voor de bloemencultuur
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