About ARTIS
Founded in 1838, ARTIS — short for Natura Artis Magistra (Nature is the Teacher of Art) — is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. Set in a beautifully landscaped 14-hectare park in Amsterdam's Plantage neighbourhood, ARTIS is far more than a zoo: it is a nature experience that combines animals, history, and science in a single day out.
The zoo is home to over 750 animal species and 200 plant species. Its aquarium (one of the oldest in the world, dating from 1882) and its planetarium are both included in the ticket price.
Highlights
- Aquarium (1882) — cross-section models of Amsterdam's canals with live fish inside them
- Planetarium — daily shows exploring the solar system and deep space
- Gorilla habitat — one of Europe's best primate environments
- African savanna — giraffes, zebras, and hippos in open-air paddocks
- Micropia (separate admission) — the world's only museum dedicated entirely to microorganisms
Getting There
ARTIS is a 20-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal or a short tram ride on line 14 (Artis stop). It is also walking distance from the Hortus Botanicus botanical garden.
Tips for Visiting
- The zoo is largest at 14 hectares — allow a full day if you want to see everything including aquarium and planetarium
- Feeding times are listed at the entrance; the sea lion feeding is a highlight
- Planetarium shows fill quickly — reserve your slot on arrival
- ARTIS is open during the evening in summer for "ARTIS by Night" events
- Combine with nearby Hortus Botanicus, a 5-minute walk away