Called the city's best-kept secret, they are normally hidden behind closed blocks of houses... But on June 17, 18 and 19, you can take a look at some of Amsterdam's most beautiful private canal gardens.Text: Fleur de Jong
Image: Museum Van Loon | Peter KooijmanMuseumVan Loon explains that Amsterdam's ring of canals has its origins in the seventeenth century. The then heart of the city offered too limited shelter for the explosively growing population, which had also become increasingly prosperous. A grand plan for expansion was desperately needed; mainly private houses were built on the Herengracht and Keizersgracht, and many companies also settled on the Prinsengracht. But only half of the land was allowed to be built on; the remaining space had to be gardens. However, a garden house could be built at the end of the garden. In this way the structure of house and garden was determined that is still there today, centuries later. Almost all of the gardens are still in use today and have retained their specific character in terms of size and appearance.Photo: John LewisThis year's theme Visiting the private canal garden refers to the historical fact that almost all of these gardens were once laid out as private gardens at a residence. More than 25 canal gardens open to the public during Open Garden Days 2022.
The purpose of the Open Garden Days is to draw attention to the city's green heritage, or in other words, the green lungs of the canal belt. In addition, part of the proceeds of the Open Garden Days go to the Grachtentuinen Fonds, managed by the Prince Bernhard Culture Fund. This fund supports Amsterdam projects that enable access to green heritage citywide; from the canals, for the city....
Photo: Peter Kooijman
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