Garden
One of Amsterdam's best-kept secrets, our Garden is a sanctuary of quiet beauty in the heart of the city. An urban oasis of seasonal bloom and a living reminder of the saying, "As Above, So Below".
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Garden
A fundamental principle of hermetic philosophy is the harmonious interconnectedness of the cosmos, nature, and humanity. What can be discovered in the pages of our Collection gains additional context, coherence, and depth in our Garden. Here, the 'invisible is made visible'.
The Garden is a place where nature, reflection, and knowledge converge in an environment that breathes, grows, and changes with the seasons. A green oasis to slow down, enjoy a moment of peace, and reconnect with nature, right in the heart of Amsterdam.
As part of Embassy of the Free Mind's programme, the Garden hosts events that suit its unique character. Additionally, the Garden House features small art exhibitions.
A 17th-Century Innovation
The Garden is a so-called ‘keurtuin’, a regulation garden. When the canal area was laid out in the early 17th century, the city authorities set strict regulations (‘keuren’) for gardens. Not only would they offer the inhabitants of the mansions a gorgeous view, they would also have a beneficial influence on living environment of the city. A unique innovation in the field of city development, which put Amsterdam at the forefront of city planning at the time.
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The Community
Every Tuesday, a group of volunteers comes together to work in the garden. They sow seeds, maintain the soil, and care for the plants. In doing so, they contribute to our unique garden.
The Secrets of the Garden
As Above, So Below
Alchemists believed there was a strong connection between the cosmos and the earth: ‘As Above, So Below’. In their philosophy, not only metals and minerals, but also plants were under the influence of the then-known planets in our solar system, the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Each planet was claimed to have special powers that were also present in the corresponding plants. Based on this relationship, a physician or iatrochemist was able to find the right plant to cure a specific illness.
From the Collection
"For the divine wisdom is revealed in all things. Whoever seeks it with a sincere heart will find that heaven and earth are full of the divine mystery"
Biblioteca Philisophica HErmetica
Three Principles of the Divine Essence
Drebbel, Cornelius, 1628, Latin
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Your Event in our Garden?
Our 80m² Garden has the capacity for up to 80 guests for a standing reception, and 40 for a seated dinner. It is as suited to celebrations as it is to workshops, lunches and gatherings. In warmer months, our Garden transforms into one of the most memorable event spaces in the city, with the historic House with the Heads as its backdrop. Weddings, summer receptions, team days, or simply a dinner under open sky, the Garden adapts gracefully to each.
Capacity
- Standing Reception: 80 pax
- Dinner: 40 pax
Learn More
Delve into the Embassy of the Free Mind.
House with the Heads
Discover the story behind our home: one of the Netherlands' top 100 national monuments, where centuries of history and ideas converged.
Our Café
Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea over an inspiring conversation, book, or simply a moment of stillness in the middle of a busy day. No museum admission needed.
Become a Member
Become part of a living community dedicated to free inquiry and the extraordinary legacy of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica.
Join our community
Unlimited museum entry
Seasonal culture & community event invitations
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