Amsterdam Tulip Museum
In the heart of Amsterdam, on the scenic Prinsengracht canal, you'll find the Tulip Museum — a small but fascinating museum and a great place to visit outside of tulip season. The entrance is at the back of a storefront, leading you from a shop into the museum experience. Here, you can learn about tulips, admire their history, and enjoy the beautiful story presented through engaging exhibits. The museum is filled with tulip-related objects and displays, creating an immersive experience for every visitor.
Address: Prinsengracht 116, 1015 EA Amsterdam (Jordaan)
Open: Monday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | €7.00 |
| Children | €4.00 |
History of the Tulip
The Amsterdam Tulip Museum tells the story of Tulip Mania in the 17th century. How were tulip bulbs traded, and which varieties and colors were most popular at that time? Did you know that the tulip "Semper Augustus" was once worth more than a house? In some cities, such as Hoorn, you can still see a tulip displayed — representing the extraordinary value tulips once held.
The Dutch government passed legislation in 1636 that changed the nature of tulip futures contracts, which contributed to the eventual market collapse. The tulip market fell after a period of intense speculation and soaring prices — the world's first recorded financial bubble. A fungus known as the tulip breaking virus caused the striking variegated patterns in tulip petals that were especially prized during Tulip Mania. During this period, tulips would sell for prices far exceeding the average annual salary, highlighting their commercial and economic significance at the time.
Tulips spread rapidly across Europe in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, becoming symbols of wealth and status in the Netherlands, France, and England alike. The museum brings this extraordinary chapter of history to life.
Tulips and Cultivars
Learn at the museum how tulips are cultivated and traded today. The museum features displays of old photographs and interactive exhibits, including films and hands-on elements that showcase the history and progression of tulip cultivation, trade, and cultural significance.
You can also see several tulip varieties in photos, from Crispa to Parrot tulips. It is remarkable how Dutch breeders have crossed these tulips over centuries — there are now thousands of varieties in the Netherlands, sold and planted all over the world. Tulip flowers are known for their distinctive cup or star-shaped blooms, and the unique nature of tulips allows them to adapt and change over time, reflecting nature's inventive character.
Painting and Art
At the museum, you can see beautiful paintings created by Dutch masters depicting tulips throughout history. Art is one of the most important aspects of the tulip's cultural legacy — during the Dutch Golden Age, tulips were painted with the same reverence as portraits of nobility, capturing their elegance and cultural significance for generations to come.
Museum Shop
Step into the Amsterdam Tulip Museum shop and immerse yourself in the world of the iconic flower that has shaped Dutch culture for centuries. This charming shop is a treasure trove for anyone captivated by tulips. You'll find an impressive selection of tulip bulbs ready for planting, alongside unique souvenirs, decorative vases, art prints, and books celebrating the beauty and history of Dutch tulips.
The shop is more than just a place to buy gifts — it's a living storybook of tulip mania and the Dutch Golden Age. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to share tips on tulip cultivation, care, and the best ways to enjoy blooming tulips in your own garden. Browse guides on horticulture, discover the differences between wild and cultivated varieties, and pick up a book to deepen your understanding of this remarkable plant.
The museum shop is open daily, making it easy to combine your visit with the museum itself. It's the perfect spot to find a memorable gift, from elegant glass vases to vibrant tulip bulbs that will bring a touch of Dutch spring to your home.
Ordering Tulip Bulbs
Would you like to order tulip bulbs? This can be done via our Order Dutch Tulip Bulbs page. The only period when you can buy bulbs for proper planting is August, September, and October — tulip bulbs are best planted in late summer and fall, after which they require a period of winter dormancy before blooming.
Our tip: order here rather than at a supermarket or store in the Netherlands. Often in spring, you may see bulbs for sale at Schiphol Airport — but these are unlikely to bloom. The later you buy them, the lower the chance of a flower. Always check carefully or ask our staff for advice.
Order Dutch Tulip Bulbs →How to Get There
The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is located at Prinsengracht 116 in the Jordaan neighbourhood — one of Amsterdam's most charming and walkable areas, just minutes from the Anne Frank House and the major canal belt.
Our tip: combine your museum visit with an Amsterdam public transport pass. The GVB Pass or Amsterdam City Pass offer unlimited travel on metro, tram, and bus at an affordable price — perfect for exploring every corner of the city comfortably and without the hassle of buying separate tickets.
Curious about the tulip fields outside the city? Join our Tulip Tour from Amsterdam and visit the real bulb fields north of the city.
