New exhibition about the garden as pharmacy, and cozy autumn market on October 5 in Hortus Amsterdam

In 1635 a major plague epidemic broke out in Amsterdam. Health care at that time left much to be desired – resulting in thousands of casualties. The city therefore had a garden built with medicinal herbs in 1638: the Hortus medicus. This autumn we will delve into the past with an exhibition in the Palmenkas: discover the Hortus as the city’s pharmacy!

Given the plague epidemic, the quality of medical education for pharmacists and physicians had to be improved immediately. Medicinal herbs served as the basis for medicines and knowledge about them was therefore of vital importance. The Hortus medicus became the place where doctors and pharmacists were trained, took their exams and later also updated their knowledge.
 
The exhibition shows medical care from the 17th century in an interactive way. You will discover how important plants were, which plants were used for which ailments and exactly how doctors and pharmacists carried out their practices. Take a look inside a real pharmacy cabinet; full of herb pots, recipes, dried plants and more…

Autumn market
We cannot escape autumn, which is why we like to herald it in a festive manner. This year the Hortus Store will once again be presenting an autumn market on Saturday, October 5! Stock up on your bulbs and seeds for the next season or bring all the greenery into your home now with organic houseplants.

The garden as pharmacy, October 5 to December 1, 2024, Hortus Amsterdam, Plantage Middenlaan 2a, the exhibition can be visited with your Hortus entrance ticket
Autumn market, October 5, 2024, Hortus Amsterdam