Live flowers on display from Feb. 14 through March 2; also on view will be George Eastman artifacts from 1915
George Eastman House presents virtual springtime, with the 21st annual exhibition Dutch Connection, on view Friday, Feb. 13 through Saturday, March 1. This colorful, interpretive exhibition will feature thousands of flowering bulbs, re-creating Eastman's 1915 display of flowers from Holland—ordered from the same Dutch company Eastman used.
The two-week display is a welcome treat for the eyes and nose in the midst of winter. The Conservatory display will feature thousands of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, amaryllis, and freesias, in various vibrant shades—the same colors Eastman featured 100 years ago. In addition, tropical orchids will be displayed throughout the Palm House and Colonnade of Eastman's house, courtesy of the Genesee Region Orchid Society. Also on view will be artifacts from 1915, related to Mr. Eastman’s life.
During Eastman's residency at the house between 1905 and 1932, he ordered tens of thousands of bulbs from Holland every year (except 1918, when a wartime coal shortage forced him to close his greenhouses) to decorate his Conservatory. The orders were mostly for tulips, narcissus, and hyacinths for indoor forcing, plus tulips for the outside beds. These bulbs were forced in his on-site greenhouses.
Eastman's nostalgic annual bulb orders stemmed from a trip he made to Holland in 1890, when he was lured by the tulip fields while bicycling through the countryside. The present-day display is based on Eastman's original orders placed with Dutch bulb-importing companies. The cultivation process began last July, with 6,000 bulbs growing since October.
Bulb Sale
Potted tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils will be sold during Dutch Connection, with all proceeds benefiting the exhibition.
Group Tours
George Eastman House is offering private group tours of Dutch Connection during regular museum hours. To set up a tour or for more information, please contact Heather Gray, visitor engagement manager, at (585) 271-3361 ext. 238.
Dutch Connection will be on display 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Included with regular museum admission. For more information, visit eastmanhouse.org or call (585) 271-3361.
For the last 21 years, Dutch Connection has been made possible by the generous support of Gerald P. and Karen S. Kral. Greenhouse services have been provided by Lucas Greenhouses.