The Girl with a Pearl Earring and Jacoba van Beieren count down together.

All the flower bulbs are in the ground and Keukenhof is ready to open for visitors in 100 days’ time. Planting 7 million flower bulbs ended uniquely in the presence of the Girl with a Pearl Earring and Jacoba van Beieren.

The world famous Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer and Jacoba van Beieren, who symbolizes the heritage of Keukenhof, herald a colourful spring. They represent the cooperation between Keukenhof and the Mauritshuis [museum in The Hague]. “This cooperation suits our theme well,” explains Keukenhof director Bart Siemerink.

In 2022, the flower exhibition’s theme will be ‘Flower Classics’. Siemerink: “Flowers are classic symbols used in the arts for centuries. As is apparent in several works on view at the Mauritshuis. Replicas of a number of these will be on show at Keukenhof for visitors to admire.”

Starting March 24, Keukenhof will feature replicas of several paintings from the Mauritshuis, including Johannes Vermeer’s most famous painting, Girl with Pearl Earring. The impossible bouquet, consisting of flowers that all bloom at different times of the year, will also be brought to life!

In 2022, the Mauritshuis will celebrate its 200th anniversary as a public institution throughout the year with a series of special exhibitions. One of the highlights of the anniversary year will be the exhibition ‘In full bloom’.

Martine Gosselink, the Director of the Mauritshuis: “Can’t we do this every year? Mauritshuis and Keukenhof are such logical partners, richer colours can’t be found anywhere else! The best of Dutch painting and the strongest colours in nature are only 30 km apart. A perfect day out on a beautiful spring day.”

Keukenhof will be open from 24 March – 15 May 2022.