Hortus by Night 2024

Join us for some time travelling through the garden! A video projection, mysterious soundscapes, a captivating art installation and an interactive mycelium path will trigger you to think about the origin of life. Walk past the work ‘Motus Vitae’ (‘movement of life’) in our large pond – it is reminiscent of a mysterious planetary system. You then enter the dark conifer forest, where among ferns and conifers mycelium trails light up across the ground: nature’s hidden communication becomes visible. The route continues towards the Palm House, where softly ‘breathing’ blue drapery symbolises a timeline. The journey ends with the Wood-Wide-Web: a visual bridge between the plant and human worlds through a luminous network of wires, stretching across the path after leaving the greenhouse. It underlines the theme of this journey through time: everything is connected.

Motus Vitae is a work by Tim Vermeulen and Louise te Poele.
Originally commissioned by light festival Alluminous in Almere, in collaboration with theatre group Suburbia.
Wood-Wide-Web is a creation by Jasper Toelie.
Lighting and sound design: Tim Vermeulen

Note: some parts of the route are not suitable for people with diagnosed epilepsy and/or severe light sensitivity.

This winter we go back in time; very far back indeed, as we dive into the world of cycads. Cycads – or palm ferns, as they are also called, although they are neither palm nor fern – are among the most primitive seed plants. And they have been around for more than 270 million years! It is hard to imagine, but these prehistoric plants lived through the rise and extinction of the dinosaurs. What is this plant group, that inhabited our earth even before the dinosaurs? And how did they survive multiple mass extinctions? And how do we as humans relate to cycads? Today only a handful of species exist, and they are also seriously threatened. The Hortus is doing its bit to preserve and increase knowledge about this amazing group of plants.

This exhibition was created and established by Meta Menkveld.

Did you know that there were plants growing on earth, even before the dinosaurs? Come to Hortus by  Night and meet one of our planet’s oldest survivors: the cycad! Find out how it survived volcanic eruptions, tidal waves and ice ages. And… which other plants do you know that have been around for millions of years?

Pick up the prehistoric plants map for free at the entrance and discover what makes these plants so special.

In and around the Hortus café it will be lovely this winter. Especially during Hortus by Night, the menu pays extra attention to festive food that suits this cosy season. Get yourself a warming glühwein or hot cocoa outside by the campfire. Come dine with friends or family after an evening walk. Your cosy winter evening is complete in the Hortus. Find our menu here. 

Reservations in the Hortus Café are possible from 6 people upwards. You can do so by emailing [email protected].