About ARTIS

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo is one of Europe's oldest zoos, founded in 1838. Its full name — Natura Artis Magistra (Nature is the Teacher of Art) — reflects its original mission as a natural history and scientific institution rather than simply an animal park. Today it spans 14 hectares in the Plantage neighbourhood east of the city centre and holds over 900 animal species, an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a microbe laboratory.

What makes ARTIS special is its combination of world-class animal care, beautiful historic landscape (it is a national monument), and the breadth of experience beyond the animals. You can spend an entire day here and not exhaust it.

💡 Combine with Hortus: ARTIS and the Hortus Botanicus botanical garden are a 5-minute walk apart in the Plantage district. A combined visit makes an excellent full day out, particularly for families.

Highlights

The Animals

ARTIS houses lions, gorillas, giraffes, sea lions, Galapagos tortoises, and over 900 species in total. The African Savanna habitat is the most popular section, featuring zebras, giraffes, and meerkats in interconnected spaces. The gorilla habitat, renovated in 2019, is one of the best in Europe.

The Aquarium

Housed in a monumental 1882 building, ARTIS's aquarium is one of the oldest operating aquariums in the world. It contains a remarkable recreation of an Amsterdam canal with real canal water, showing the underwater life of the city. Displays also cover coral reefs, Amazon ecosystems, and North Sea species. The aquarium is included in the general admission ticket.

The Planetarium

ARTIS has operated a planetarium since 1888 — also one of the oldest in the world. The current digital dome shows daily programmes on astronomy, the universe, and the night sky. Shows typically run multiple times per day; times are posted at the entrance. Also included with general admission.

The Micropia

Unique in the world: Micropia is a museum of microbes adjacent to ARTIS, showing the invisible world of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. It requires a separate ticket but is fascinating for older children and adults. The “kiss-o-meter” (showing the bacteria exchanged in a kiss) is memorable.

The Historic Landscape

ARTIS is genuinely beautiful as a park: mature trees, 19th-century buildings, and formal gardens. It has been a national monument since 2002. Even without any animals, it would be worth visiting as a historic space. The central aviary (free-flight bird house) and the butterfly pavilion are highlights.

Practical Information

  • Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38–40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
  • Opening hours: Daily 9:00–18:00 (until 21:00 on summer Saturdays for “ARTIS bij Nacht” evening events)
  • Tickets: Adults €24 | Ages 3–9 €19.50 | Under-3 free
  • Duration: A full day (at least 4–5 hours to cover the animals, aquarium, and planetarium)
  • Museumkaart: Not accepted for general zoo admission, but accepted for Micropia

Tips

  • Morning feeding times (typically 10:00–11:30) are the most active periods for the large animals. Check the feeding schedule posted at the main entrance on arrival.
  • The planetarium show timings fill up quickly in school holidays — check the board at the planetarium entrance as soon as you arrive and plan accordingly.
  • ARTIS Night (summer Saturdays until 21:00) is a special experience — nocturnal animals become active and the park atmosphere changes completely at dusk.
  • The ARTIS restaurant (“Cantina”) is reasonably priced for an attraction café. Alternatively, bring a picnic — eating on the lawns is permitted and very pleasant.

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