Ninetynine Tulips is an innovative art initiative that breathes new life into Dutch tulip history by transforming 99 hand-painted floral artworks into digital collectibles, known as Tulip NFTs. This project creatively bridges the past and the present, allowing art enthusiasts and floriculture fans to engage with the iconic story of tulips in a modern digital format.
Each Tulip NFT represents a unique, certified digital image based on an original painting, forming a collection that beautifully marries historical significance with contemporary art trends. These digital trading cards are designed for collectors and investors, offering both a tribute to the famed tulip varieties of the Tulipmania era and a novel way to engage with floral art.
The project revolves around 99 tempera-painted artworks, each inspired by historic tulip varieties, such as Tulipa Semper Augustus and Admirael van Tol. These physical paintings, alongside their digital interpretations, encompass a total of 9,801 Tulip NFTs that explore various artistic styles, reflecting the unique characteristics of each tulip. This synergy of physical and digital art, termed ‘phygital,’ unites both worlds in a comprehensive collection.
In a celebration of bulb culture, the original paintings will tour prominent sites in the Netherlands, with notable exhibitions planned for spring 2026 at the Tulip Experience Amsterdam. This venue offers visitors an immersive experience among thousands of tulips, highlighting the cultural narratives tied to these vibrant blooms.
Ninetynine Tulips serves as a revolutionary way for florists to share and transform tulip narratives into collectibles enhanced by digital certificates of authenticity. Each Tulip NFT carries its own story, such as Tulip #52 Admirael van Tol, which features a tiny spider referencing its legendary past. These pieces can be showcased in shops, displayed online, or made into wall art, allowing florists and collectors to connect with their customers through the rich history embedded in each flower.
The project also democratizes ownership of art, as collectors of Tulip NFTs can eventually claim the physical paintings associated with their digital assets. With pricing strategies reflecting historical auction values from the Tulipmania period, Ninetynine Tulips offers something for everyone—from high-value collectibles to more accessible options tailored for everyday flower lovers.
Florists can participate creatively by incorporating themed displays, linking seasonal blooms to their cultural stories, and engaging customers through various displays that reflect their interpretation of tulip art. Whether it be through whimsical themes or nostalgia, the possibilities for creating a unique aesthetic experience in shops are endless.
Ninetynine Tulips not only revives the rich heritage of Dutch tulips in the digital age but also invites florists, collectors, and art lovers to partake in a revival that transcends time and culture. These tulips continue to flourish, conveying numerous stories and insights regardless of the era or medium through which they bloom.