Oude Hortus botanical gardens
Behind the University Museum you will find the Oude Hortus (‘Old Hortus’), Utrecht University’s former botanical gardens. The gardens were originally situated on what was then Sonnenborgh bastion. When there was not enough space there anymore, they relocated to Nieuwgracht in 1723. Nowadays the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens are situated a short distance from the city centre, on the Uithof campus. The Oude Hortus has since become a beautiful museum garden, home to exotic trees and plants such as a 270-year-old Ginkgo biloba and the Victoria Longwood, a giant water lily which blooms in the greenhouses during the summer months.
The garden also contains a wide variety of medicinal herbs, centuries-old trees and greenhouses full of exotic plants and flowers. This historical garden is a place where you can forget that you are in the middle of a bustling city for a moment, making it an ideal spot to enjoy nice weather. You can enjoy a tasty lunch at Museum Café Ginkgo, with stunning views of the greenhouses and the garden from the terrace.
Opening times
The University Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm.
Closed on: 1 January, King’s Day (27 April) and 25 December
Open on all other holidays (including Easter Monday, Whit Monday and Boxing Day).
On 24 and 31 December, Utrecht University Museum closes at 4 pm.
Entrance prices to the University Museum & the Oude Hortus
Adults €8.00
Children up to the age of 18 €4.50
Children under 4 Free entry
Museum Card holders Free entry
Students, pensioners (65+), CJP & U-pas holders €4.50
Price list for the Oude Hortus
Single entry €2.50
Unlimited access with a subscription to the Oude Hortus €15
A subscription allows you to bring one guest free of charge at any time.
