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TULIP
MANIA
LEIDEN
Discover the hidden life in the soil!
Bulb of (soil)biodiversity!
Art meets science in Leiden
DE bol ban biodiversiteit in de voortuin van de Hogeschool in Leiden
Onthulling van de bol door wethouder Wietske Veltman, Angelien Sanderman van Hogeschool Leiden en Jan van Vliet van de Gildemeesters
Rafael Martig schilderend in Het Gebouw in de Kooi
DE bol ban biodiversiteit in de voortuin van de Hogeschool in Leiden
Starting July 2025, a special work of art is on display in the front garden of Leiden University of Applied Sciences: the bulb of (soil) biodiversity. It is a giant tulip bulb painted by artist and biologist, Rafael Martig, where recognizable elements from Leiden are interwoven with the fascinating life in the soil. The unveiling was done by alderman Wietske Veltman, Angelien Sanderman of Leiden University of Applied Sciences and Jan van Vliet of the Gildemeesters in the presence of an enthusiastic audience. Prior to the unveiling, various speakers explained the origin and purpose of the artwork. The bulb of biodiversity fits exactly with the theme "Leiden: city of discoveries". This art project is an initiative of DNA in Beeld and brings art, science and the city together in a unique way. The main theme of the bulb is research that takes place in the BioScience Park, the importance of biodiversity in and above ground. The research that Tulip Mania Leiden has done in collaboration with Leiden University of Applied Sciences and Naturalis can also be found in an artistic representation of this. For months, Rafael Martig has worked live on the giant bulb at three different locations, in the Building, Leiden University of Applied Sciences and the Hortus Botanicus. Read all about this special project here! (photos Buro JP)
Start TULIP MANIA Leiden
Tulip Mania Leiden officially started on October 30, 2021 by planting tulip bulbs in the courtyard of BplusC on Nieuwstraat in Leiden. It was a festive opening with a speech by councilor Ashley North and specially baked tulip cakes.
Councilor Ashley North (l) and initiator of Tulip Mania Leiden, Dr. Leonie Kaptein from "DNA in Beeld".
Tulip Mania Leiden
Leiden was the "European City of Science" in 2022. As a contribution to that year, DNA in Beeld started a citizen science project together with the Leiden Centre for Applied BioSciences: "Tulip Mania Leiden" with the aim of researching the hidden soil life and drawing attention to the importance of healthy soil.
A more controlled experiment in tubs was also set up at the Hortus Botanicus.
Art and Science
To involve more citizens in the project, Tulip Mania Leiden sees the role of art as an important bridge to communication about science. Art and science are both used to better understand and describe the world around us. Art and science coming together is ultimate creativity! Tulip Mania Leiden collaborates with Delft artist/biologist Rafael Martig and American artist Anna Fine Foer.
Activities Tulip Mania
Tulip Mania Leiden is very active in and around Leiden! Lectures in the Tulip Museum "de Zwarte Tulp", the Hortus Botanicus and BplusC. Presentations during the Night of Discoveries and Earth Day, among others. Interview at Radio Weetlust and participation in the TV program "Year of the Garden" and much more! Tulip Mania Leiden does everything possible to spread the message of the importance of biodiversity in the soil.
Initiation and project coordination
Partners
