This spring, visitors to the renowned Tulip Festival in Beijing’s famous Zhongshan Park – located next to the Forbidden City – will be invited to immerse themselves in the rich natural and cultural history of the tulip, a flower from the ancient Silk Road.
IGMPR was commissioned to design and curate this vibrant exhibition in the classical Qi Jian Fang Pavilion (80 m²). Drawing on years of interdisciplinary research in collaboration with art historians, botanical experts, archaeologists, and museums from around the world, curator Ibo Gülsen presents compelling new evidence of humanity’s admiration for the tulip, dating back as far as 2000 BC.
With over 100 carefully selected and newly created visuals and illustrations, this colorful exhibition explores the following themes:
- What Makes a Flower a Tulip: Discover the anatomy, growth cycle, and reproduction of tulips, as well as the modern cultivar groups.
- Natural History: Learn about the wild tulip species and their origins in the mountainous regions of Central Asia.
- Cultural History: Explore how the tulip has inspired art and craftsmanship across Central Asia, Türkiye, and the Netherlands – including ceramics.
- The World of Tulips: Enjoy a photographic journey through tulip gardens and festivals worldwide, showcasing the universal love for this iconic flower.
In addition, the exhibition features two immersive art installations:
- The Istanbul Tulip Re-imagined
In collaboration with local silk flower and glass artists, IGMPR brought the (almost)extinct “Istanbul Tulip”—once favored by the Ottoman sultans—back to life. These reconstructions are based on centuries-old botanical illustrations and artefacts. - Tulipmania!
Experience the grandeur of tulips in 17th-century still life. We created XL reproductions of the stunning still life paintings by Roman and Henriëtte Resinger, featuring tulips displayed in Delftware flower towers—ceramic masterpieces inspired by Asian pagodas and originally used to showcase prized tulips.
The exhibition’s opening was attended by representatives from the Beijing Parks and Culture Departments, as well as officials from the Dutch and Turkish embassies. This exhibition can be tailored to different venues, languages, and educational formats. Please contact us to explore how it can enhance the visitor experience at your garden, museum, or festival.
The exhibition is very good and the exhibition is carefully arranged. I learned about the history of tulips and broadened my horizons. Thank you Zhongshan Park for creating such a good experience opportunity for tourists. – comment by visitor
