Located in the heart of Amsterdam, Artis, also known as Natura Artis Magistra, is a historic zoo and one of the oldest in the world. It was opened on May 1st, 1838, and was founded by a group of prominent Amsterdam citizens who wanted to establish a zoological garden and a museum that would serve as an educational and cultural institution for the people of Amsterdam. Ever since it has attracted thousands of visitors every year not only from the Netherlands but across the world.
Artis is spread over an area of 14 hectares, or 35 acres, and offers a diverse and immersive experience for visitors with a wide range of animals, plants, and other attractions to explore. On a typical day in Amsterdam when you are feeling a bit under the weather and wondering what to do, you may consider walking into the Artis to dive into myriad experiences to raise your spirits. It is a great destination for individuals and families, animal lovers, or anyone interested in nature and science.
As you walk into the premises, you are greeted by thick, green foliage on either side of the walkway that leads to different sections of the Artis. You can rest your eyes on different varieties of plants, flowers, and trees dotting the entire layout as you progress. A pair of comfortable walking shoes will do you good to explore the entire area on foot, but they also have mobility scooters and wheelchairs to assist those with mobility issues. These vehicles can help you navigate the zoo and its exhibits more conveniently.
It is important to note that the terrain in some parts of the zoo is uneven and hilly which can pose a challenge for some visitors. However, Artis staff are always available to assist you with any kind of service that will make your experience smooth and enjoyable at the zoo.
At Artis, you can expect to indulge in various activities like admiring the animals; exploring the botanical gardens; visiting the planetarium; discovering the aquarium; attending a lecture or an educational workshop on animals, nature, and conservation; enjoying a hearty meal at the in-house eateries or picnicking with family or friends in one of the picnic spots; and even purchasing souvenirs and gifts like books and toys for your loved ones from the gift shop.
Here are Some Highlights
As a visitor, you may be interested to check out the following inside Artis in Amsterdam.
Animals in the Zoo — Artis is home to a diverse range of animals from all over the world. The exhibits include mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. Children love checking out the enclosures of lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and penguins. There are birds of prey, parrots, and exotic species that have been imported from Africa, South America, and Asia. There are also feeding times and demonstrations throughout the day.
Botanical Gardens — The botanical gardens at Artis are home to over 9000 species of plants from around the world, including rare and exotic plants. There’s a butterfly house, a tropical greenhouse, a palm house, and a rose garden.
Planetarium — Children and adults with an interest in Astro science and the universe can check out the planetarium which provides a unique and immersive experience for its visitors. The staff arranges a range of shows and interactive exhibits where you can explore the wonders of the universe, including the stars, planets, and galaxies.
Aquarium — The Artis aquarium is home to a wide variety of fish, underwater creatures, and corals. The aquarium is divided into different zones like the coral reef tank, a shark tank, and a tropical fish tank.
Museum — Artis is one of the oldest zoos in Europe that was founded in 1838. It has a rich history and has played an important role in scientific research and conservation efforts over the years. The Artis Museum showcases the history of the zoo and features interactive exhibits and displays that highlight the zoo’s work in the areas of animal welfare, biodiversity, and sustainability.
Info on Timings and Tickets
Artis is open to the public every day of the year, including holidays. However, opening hours could vary depending on the time of the year. Most days, it is open from 9am to 6pm. The last admission is one hour before closing hours.
The ticket prices at Artis will also vary depending on the age of the visitor and the time of the year you are visiting — Adults (10 to 64 years): 26.50 euros for the low season; 28.50 euros for the high season. Children (3 to 9 years): 22.50 euros for the low season; 24.50 euros for the high season. Seniors (65+): 24.50 euros for the low season; 26.50 euros for the high season. Children under 3 enjoy free admission.
It’s best to check out the latest price on the official Artis website because ticket prices are subject to revisions. Save both money and time by purchasing tickets online and in advance. Artis offers special promotions and package deals, and attractive discounts to groups, students, and people with disabilities.
How to Contact and Ways to Travel
Artis is located at Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands, which is very close to the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum. For queries or feedback, you can call 020 5233 670 or write to info@artis.nl.
Here are some ways to reach the venue — take tram 9 or 14 to the Plantage Kerklaan stop, which is right outside the zoo. You can also take bus 245 to the Artis stop, which is a short distance from the entrance. If you prefer bikes, you can hire one from the rental shops as locals and tourists usually prefer to cycle around the city. Artis has designated bicycle racks for those who bike to the zoo.
If you are walking from anywhere from the city center, Artis will be 1.5 kilometers east of Amsterdam’s central station. It should take you just about 20-25 minutes to reach the place. And if you are driving to the zoo, you can find many paid parking options near the place, just a few minutes walk from the entrance.
