Tulipmania in Singapore: A Turkish-Inspired Floral Celebration 2025

The beloved Tulipmania in Singapore returns to Gardens by the Bay for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from April 17 to May 12. This year’s exhibition takes a fascinating departure from previous Dutch-themed displays, instead celebrating the true origins of tulips in the eastern reaches of Türkiye. Visitors to the Flower Dome will be transported through time and space to discover how this iconic bloom has united diverse civilisations throughout history.

A Bloom with Eastern Origins

While many associate tulips with the Netherlands, these vibrant flowers actually originated in Central Asia and were first cultivated in Turkey as early as 1000 AD. During the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, tulips became highly prized flowers and a symbol of power. Ottoman sultans and wealthy elites were known for their love of tulips, hosting elaborate festivals that attracted visitors from around the world.

The name ‘tulip’ itself derives from the Turkish word for turban, reflecting the flower’s cultural significance in the region. This fascination with tulips inspired a unique decorative style featuring tulip motifs on carpets, clothing, paintings, buildings, and pottery throughout Turkish history.

The journey of tulips to Western Europe and eventually Singapore is equally fascinating. In the late 16th century, tulips were introduced to Western Europe, likely by Carolus Clusius, a biologist from Vienna who later became director of the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden. His friend in Turkey, Ogier Ghiselain de Busbecq, the ambassador of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), sent him tulip bulbs after admiring the beautiful flowers in palace gardens. This marked the beginning of the famous Dutch tulip fields we know today.

Tulipmania 2025: What to Expect

This year’s Tulipmania in Singapore promises to be a spectacular cultural and botanical showcase. The Flower Dome will be transformed into a vibrant celebration of tulips, with displays highlighting the diverse civilisations that have shaped Türkiye’s society through time—all connected by their shared admiration for this beloved bloom.

Based on previous editions, visitors can expect to see over 54,000 tulips across more than 20 varieties. The display will feature impressive tulip divisions including:

• Coronet tulips with their distinctive crown-like petals
• Fringed tulips with their delicate, feathery edges
• Triumph tulips in a rainbow of vibrant colours

Last year’s exhibition included unique varieties like the spotted ‘Purple Circus’ and the double-petaled ‘Double Negrita’ tulips, so visitors can anticipate similar special varieties this year.

Special Events and Cultural Experiences

What sets Tulipmania in Singapore apart is its rich programme of cultural events and workshops that complement the floral displays. This year’s lineup includes:

Trio Leila Performance

• Thursday, April 17, 2025
• 10:30 AM to 10:45 AM and 11:00 AM to 11:15 AM
• Flower Field, Flower Dome

Experience the enchanting music of Trio Leila, featuring talented musicians celebrating Turkish musical traditions.

Ebru Art Workshop by Abdulvahap Ertekin

• Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19, 2025
• Multiple sessions available
• South American Garden, Flower Dome

Discover the mesmerising beauty of Ebru, the traditional Turkish art of marbling, in a special workshop led by renowned artist Abdulvahap Ertekin.

Sensory Moments – Tulipmania

• Saturday, April 19, 2025
• 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• South American Garden, Mediterranean Garden & Flower Field, Flower Dome

Engage in a series of 10-minute sensory sessions at three stations around the Tulipmania floral display. This activity is suitable for all ages, though children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Get Crafty! – Enchanting Tulip Lamp by Tippsyfingers

• Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20, 2025
• 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Australian Garden, Flower Dome

Design a tulip-themed mini table lamp, creating a tulip field with green yarn and mini acrylic tulips. Materials include an acrylic mini lamp with batteries, six pre-wired mini acrylic tulips, green yarn, and dried baby’s breath.

The Journey of Tulips to Singapore

The tulips featured in Tulipmania in Singapore have an impressive journey before they reach the Flower Dome. These blooms take four years to grow in the Netherlands before making their way to Singapore. The process begins with bulbs being harvested after four annual growing cycles. They are then kept at 2°C for 9-14 weeks before being incubated in greenhouse conditions to sprout.

During this incubation period, the sprouting bulbs are transported to Singapore. Once planted at Gardens by the Bay, these resilient flowers bloom in just 3-5 days and remain beautiful for up to 12 days. The climate-controlled environment of the Flower Dome maintains perfect temperatures to keep these treasures looking their best throughout the exhibition.

The Cultural Significance of Tulips

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, tulips carry deep symbolic meaning in Turkish culture. They represent themes of love, prosperity, and the delicate balance between strength and fragility. The tulip’s graceful design and vibrant colours have inspired generations of artists, from traditional fabrics and pottery to contemporary urban design.

In modern Turkey, the annual Istanbul Tulip Festival showcases millions of tulips, transforming the city into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour each spring. Tulipmania in Singapore offers a similar celebration, bringing this rich cultural heritage to Southeast Asia.

Visitor Information

Event Details:

• Dates: April 17 to May 12, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
• Location: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
• Admission: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies (typically ranging from $8-$28)

For the best experience, consider visiting on weekdays when crowds are typically smaller. The climate-controlled Flower Dome maintains temperatures between 23-25°C, making it a comfortable outing regardless of Singapore’s outdoor weather.

Beyond Tulipmania

The Flower Dome hosts exciting seasonal displays year-round. Visitors who miss Tulipmania in Singapore can look forward to other spectacular floral exhibitions throughout the year, including Sakura displays in March, Lilytopia, Rose Romance, Orchid Extravaganza, and Alpine Adventure.

This massive climate-controlled conservatory equals 75 Olympic pools in volume and features 3,332 glass panels, creating the perfect environment for both visitors and the diverse plant collections it houses.

As Tulipmania 2025 approaches, Gardens by the Bay invites visitors to rediscover the charm and heritage of the tulip in a one-of-a-kind experience that transcends borders. This year’s Turkish-focused edition offers a deeper narrative—one that connects Asia to Europe, botany to history, and tradition to contemporary appreciation. It stands as a testament to how a single flower can bridge cultures and time, making Tulipmania in Singapore a must-visit event this spring.