Nine Million Tulips: A 'Wicked' Travel Experience Awaits

Imagine stepping into a vibrant world of tulips—millions of them—set against the magical backdrop of Munchkinland. This enchanting scene isn’t just movie magic; it’s a real place brought to life for the highly anticipated musical fantasy film Wicked.

9 Million Tulips for ‘Wicked’ in Norfolk, England

In an extraordinary feat of set design, nine million tulips were planted to create the vibrant fields surrounding the Munchkin Village, a key location in the Land of Oz. Production designer Nathan Crowley, known for his work on Interstellar, spearheaded this bold vision. Despite initial suggestions to use visual effects, Crowley insisted on an authentic approach, stating, “I have to do this, and you have to go with me.”

To achieve this, Crowley and location manager Adam Richards collaborated with Mark Eves, a tulip farmer from Norfolk, England. Eves planted and cultivated the tulips at Belmont Farms, a sprawling site that became the movie’s colorful Munchkinland. Crowley initially estimated the need for one million tulip heads, but Eves revealed it would take nine million to cover the fields.

The result? A breathtaking tableau of inky violets, fiery oranges, sunshine yellows, and classic reds, captured in stunning wide shots by cinematographer Alice Brooks. This floral explosion set the stage for the film’s opening number, “No One Mourns the Wicked,” creating a painterly effect that enhanced the story’s magical atmosphere.

While the production of Wicked has wrapped, the magic of Munchkinland lives on. Belmont Farms, now known as the home of these cinematic tulip fields, will open to the public in April 2025. Visitors can stroll through the fields, experience the enchanting landscape, and immerse themselves in the world of Oz.

For movie and travel enthusiasts alike, this is an opportunity to connect with the artistry behind one of the year’s most visually striking films. A visit to Norfolk’s Belmont Farms promises not just a floral spectacle but a chance to witness the incredible dedication and creativity that brought Wicked to life.

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Wicked: Part One debuted on 20 Nov 2024, with Part Two set to release in 2025. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film tells the story of two young women whose bond is tested as they navigate power, privilege, and destiny in the fantastical Land of Oz.

Plan your trip to Belmont Farms and experience the magic of Wicked firsthand—no yellow brick road required!

All image credit goes to Norfolk Tulips | Official Instagram page