Exhibition 125 years of the Forestry Commission - From Tree to Forest

Exposition 125 years of the Forestry Commission: From tree to forest

This year the Dutch Forestry Commission celebrates its 125th anniversary during the Year of Forests in 2024. Especially for our anniversary year, we have set up the exhibition From tree to forest at the headquarters in Amersfoort. The exhibition is freely accessible during office hours.

Forest management is the focus of this exhibition that contains a wealth of knowledge, old forestry tools, facts and videos about foresters. Dive into the past and learn more about trees, forests and the work of the forester over the years.

Special material
The exhibit is curated with material from all over the Netherlands. Much old forestry material has been preserved and stored in the collection that was given on loan to the Geldersch Landschap and Kasteelen several years ago. Some of these items have been brought back from the depot at Doorwerth Castle especially for this exhibition and can be admired in Amersfoort. A unique opportunity to view this old material.

On the first floor you will find several large (forestry) tools. We have divided them into 'sowing and planting' and 'sawing'. In the library on the second floor you can follow the development of the forest in the 40 showcases. From the planting of a seed to the growth of the tree. From enjoying the forest to being managed by the forester. The leitmotif is: Protect, Experience and Use through the years.

In each showcase we tell a story using (old) objects. On the signs above the showcase, in addition to a photo from our archive and an introduction to the theme, you will also find a QR code. Scan the QR code with your phone and go to an extra video or website with a special story.

In the library you will find against the window a display case full of information about "working at the Forestry Commission. For example, State Foresters have been taking the oath or pledge for decades and you can see a pay bag in which wages used to be paid. You can also see the clothing collection of the past 50 years and find products made from Hollands Hout - a product of Staatsbosbeheer.

Poem & Lego tree
Included in the exhibition are two special gifts. In the hall of the headquarters is a 3-meter-high Lego tree. This enlarged Lego tree is part of a larger installation preserved in response to the performance "Et in Arcadia Ego Sum" by visual artist PINK de Thierry. The National Cultural Heritage Agency took the tree from the National Collection especially for this exhibition and placed it in the hall.

Tanja ter Brake, City Poet Amersfoort created the poem Waar We Wortelen at the request of the City of Amersfoort on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. During the opening she recited the poem and it was presented to Staatsbosbeheer director Sylvo Thijsen. The poem is also included in the exhibition.

Open to everyone
The exhibition is - during office hours - freely accessible and is located on the ground and 1st floor of the headquarters of Staatsbosbeheer, Smallepad 5 in Amersfoort. We like it if you leave a message in our guestbook.