The Historische Tuin (Historic Garden) of Aalsmeer is an open-air museum dedicated to the history of horticulture in the region — the greenhouses, tools, cultivation techniques, and plant varieties that made Aalsmeer one of the most important flower-growing areas in the world. The museum occupies a working historical greenhouse complex in the centre of the village, with demonstration plots showing traditional growing methods alongside historical photographs and artefacts.
The collection traces how Aalsmeer evolved from small-scale market gardening to an industrial-scale global flower trade over the course of the 20th century. It is a modest museum, but it gives good context for what you see at the FloraHolland auction — the difference between a grower working a single greenhouse at the turn of the century and the multinational agribusiness of today. Open in the warmer months; check the website for current hours.