Keukenhof is the international and independent showcase for the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. In the space of eight weeks Keukenhof shows what the Dutch floricultural sector has to offer. The focus in the park is on the 7 million spring-flowering bulbs, in which the 100 participating companies show their living catalogue. In more than 20 flower shows, 500 flower growers present an enormous variety of cut flowers and pot plants.
Keukenhof is the platform for the Dutch floricultural sector. For the exhibitors and participants in the flower shows, we provide a superb showcase for their bulbs, flowers and plants.
That's what makes Keukenhof an excellent opportunity to network and meet business contacts. Trade events for growers are also organised regularly. Keukenhof has strong links with all of the relevant organisations in the floricultural and tourist sectors.
History of Keukenhof:
The history of Keukenhof, the name of meaning "kitchen garden", goes back to the 15th century. Countess Jacqueline of Bavaria, Jacoba van Beieren (1401-1436) gathered fruit and vegetables from the woods and dunes for the kitchen of Teylingen Castle. Keukenhof Castle was built in 1641, and the estate grew to an area of over 200 hectares.
Landscape architects Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, who also designed Amsterdam's Vondelpark, redesigned the castle gardens in 1857. That park, in the English landscape style, still forms the basis of Keukenhof.
In 1949 a group of 20 flower bulb exporters came up with a plan to use the estate for a permanent exhibition of spring-flowering bulbs, signaling the birth of Keukenhof as a spring park. The park opened its gates to the public in 1950 and was an instant success, with 236,000 visitors in the first year alone. In 2017 the 68th edition of Keukenhof is taking place, with Dutch Design as its theme. During the last 67 years Keukenhof has grown into a world-famous attraction.
