Seasonal opening Botanic Gardens

Starting March 1, you are welcome again at the Utrecht University Botanic Gardens. The first spring buds on the Stinzen slope are flowering already. What else can you expect this year?
Renovations
During the winter closure, work was done on major maintenance, such as the replacement of the 60-year-old bank protection of the fort canal, and some other renewals.
- The prairie area in the Discovery garden has been prepared for new plantings. Soon 50 to 60 species will be planted: true prairie plants that also occur in the wild and partially new to our collection. In this way, we hope to soon provide a fairly realistic picture of what the American prairies look like.
- A new entrance for pass holders of a campus card, Friends card, Museum card and USP partners (see yellow circle in photo).
- The new Evolution garden is being well underway with more planting, detailing of special plant groups and placement of artistic installations and informational signs.
Programming
Again this year we have a great program with various activities, including:
- Spring weekend: Facts & Myths about gardening on March 22 and 23 (mainly in Dutch);
- The official opening of the Evolution garden in June with several special activities;
- Scavenger hunts for children;
- Garden lab: the Green time machine;
- Summer evenings;
- Join the expert in several variations.
Check out the full annual program with something for everyone.
Furthermore, you can once again enjoy colorful butterflies in the Butterfly greenhouse and one of the largest rock gardens in Europe.
Another nice thing to know is that the shop assortment has been renewed and Tuincafé Botanica provides delicious food and drinks in the garden café and on the terrace.

Spar and SSH have short-term plans for Utrecht Science Park residents
On Tuesday, June 10, the municipal council was updated during an information session at the office of the Utrecht Science Park Foundation about the current state of livability at the Utrecht Science Park.
During the session, the results of a survey among student residents were presented, along with plans from parties such as the supermarket, SSH (Student Housing Foundation), and Utrecht University regarding this theme.

UtrechtInc startups win big at the Philips Innovation Awards
It was a remarkable evening of innovation and entrepreneurship, with UtrechtInc startups taking the spotlight during the 20th edition of the Philips Innovation Award Grand Final.

Grand opening of the world’s largest and most complete evolution garden
The world’s largest and most comprehensive Evolution Garden, as far as we know, is now officially open.
Scientific Director of the Botanical Gardens, Edwin Pos, emphasized the Evolution Garden’s role in increasing understanding of diversity within the plant kingdom and its origins. Margot van der Starre, Vice President of Utrecht University’s Executive Board, performed the official opening ceremony together with Pos.

Utrecht Science Week 2025 programme announced
The programme for Utrecht Science Week 2025 has been announced. From now on, you can register for one or more of the many inspiring events. More events will follow in the coming weeks. Take a look, register for the events you would like to attend and don’t miss anything!