The garden of the Royal Tropical Institute (which includes the Tropenmuseum) has a formal layout. The monumental building comes into its own in this way. The design is understated with great attention to materials, finishes and detailing. The transition from building to garden is designed with the stone slabs at the base of the steps. The natural stone terrace with the mulberry tree is the centerpiece and eye-catcher. The terrace around the reflecting pond is used in the summer by the Restaurant De Tropen (see images from the Restaurant De Tropen website included in the series of images).
The garden borders Oosterpark. The atmosphere in the garden is made by the plantings, which are nectar-rich and berry-rich. As a result, it provides a habitat in relative peace, for small birds and insects.