Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands opened the Keukenhof gardens on March 19 to celebrate its 60th birthday. This year's theme is: 'USA, 400 years New Amsterdam - New York'.

What is Keukenhof?
Keukenhof is a historic park covering an area of nearly 80 acres of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and all the other spring bulbs. The floral displays in the park and the unique flower shows in the various pavilions are a glorious visual feast. And in the midst of this magnificent spectacle of color there are also exquisite works of art.

60th Anniversary
In 1949 a group of prominent bulb growers and exporters started the first open air flower exhibition in Lisse. This was the start of a yearly event that has become one of the main attractions in the Netherlands, welcoming almost 45 million visitors since the official opening of the park almost 60 years ago.

Theme 2009: USA, New Amsterdam - New York, 400 years
The links between the Netherlands and the United States go back a long way. In 1609 Henry Hudson, on behalf of the Dutch VOC (Dutch East India Company), stepped ashore on what is now Manhattan and New Amsterdam was established.

In 2009 the Keukenhof will reflect on the historical relationship between the United States and The Netherlands. There is a spectacular flower mosaic of the Statue of Liberty, using more than 25,000 bulbs, an amazing American themed route and an American garden. Besides this, many events with a link to the United States will be organized.

Flower Shows
Every year more than 7 million flower bulbs are planted in the Keukenhof gardens. These can be seen in the historical garden, the natural garden and the inspirational gardens.
But not everything is outside, the four pavilions within the park offer a variety of unique indoor flower shows such as roses, carnations, irises and many other flowers.

Opening dates 2009: March 19 – May 21