Dutch Connection at the George Eastman Museum runs February 10th-26th. Here’s what you need to know!
How it Began:
In 1895 George Eastman traveled the Netherlands on a bicycle trip and was amazed by “blaze of color” he saw as be biked past the vast fields of flowers. This trip later inspired him to order tens of thousands of bulbs from Holland, wanting this same effect in his gardens and home. This tradition continued every year from 1905 and 1932 (except 1918).
“A hundred years after Eastman’s bicycling trip, the Eastman Museum started the annual floral show Dutch Connection to pay homage to Eastman’s practice of buying and planting thousands of bulbs“ (read the full history here). Last year, the museum celebrated the 25th year of Dutch Connection.
Dutch Connection Today:
Stepping into the Eastman Museum during Dutch Connection instantly transports you out of Rochester. The sights and the smells are enough to make you forget about the snow even if just for a short while.
Each room of the mansion is filled with tulips, narcissus, hyacinths, amaryllis, azaleas, daffodils, and more. There are also many different orchid varieties on display courtesy of the Genesee Region Orchid Society.
Other Things to Know:
There are free Just for Kids Bulb Kits to take home in the sales area. Kits can be picked up by museum visitors onsite during regular museum hours. Then head back to the website for some virtual tutorials, as well as instructional documents, and coloring pages. Or if you are looking for something to brighten your home, a variety of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and more are available for sale.
Hungry? Head to Open Face in the Visitor Center. “We believe in food inclusivity. Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore…we’re not one, we’re a bit of each. Here, folks can always eat together.”
Don’t miss this annual exhibit.
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