Nature and Heritage

Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo

Step into the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, a 19th-century sanctuary where historic architecture meets global wildlife in the heart of Amsterdam.

AI-generated editorial illustration inspired by Artis Zoo in Amsterdam

NeighbourhoodPlantage

Best forFamilies and History Buffs

Plan for3 to 5 hours

Worth knowingHome to 26 national monuments

Urban Sanctuary

Nature is the Teacher of Art

Natura Artis Magistra, commonly known as Artis, is far more than a standard wildlife park. Founded in 1838, it stands as the fifth oldest zoo in the world still in operation. Located in the leafy Plantage district, the park serves as a botanical garden and an architectural museum, housing 26 national monuments that reflect the grandeur of 19th-century Amsterdam.

Visitors can wander through historic flower gardens and past ancient trees, including the famous Heimans Oak, one of the city's oldest living treasures. The zoo integrates modern zoology with its nostalgic atmosphere, offering a home to animals from around the globe while maintaining a strong focus on conservation and education through daily activities and specialized museums.

Legacy

A 19th-Century Vision

Artis was established during a period when European cities began creating public spaces for the study of natural history. Its Latin name, Natura Artis Magistra, translates to 'Nature is the teacher of art,' a philosophy that remains central to its mission today. Over nearly two centuries, the park has evolved from a private collection into a public institution dedicated to biodiversity.

The site is a living timeline of architectural styles, featuring ornate pavilions and enclosures that have been carefully preserved. While the zoo has modernized its animal care and sustainability practices, it retains the character of a classic city park, making it a unique cultural landmark where history and biology intersect.

Must-See

Beyond the Enclosures

Astronomy

The Planetarium

Explore the cosmos in the zoo's dedicated planetarium, where visitors can take a journey through the stars and learn about the universe's vast scale.

Botany

Historic Gardens

Artis is a certified botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of exotic plants, seasonal flower displays, and centuries-old trees like the Heimans Oak.

Innovation

Micropia & Groote Museum

The site hosts Micropia, the world's first museum dedicated to microbes, and the Groote Museum, which explores the connections between humans and the natural world.

The Experience

A Day at Artis

Morning

Wildlife and Monuments

Start early to see the animals at their most active. Walk the perimeter to admire the 26 national monuments and the historic elephant enclosure.

Afternoon

Museums and Science

Head to the interactive museums. Visit Micropia to see the invisible world of bacteria or attend one of the 20 daily nature education activities.

Relaxation

Garden Strolls

End your visit with a quiet walk through the butterfly pavilion or the flower gardens, enjoying the serene atmosphere right next to the city's canals.

Visuals

The Beauty of Artis

The park's aesthetic is defined by its blend of lush greenery and stately 19th-century buildings. From the vibrant colors of the butterfly pavilion to the tranquil canal-side paths, Artis offers a visual escape from the urban bustle of Amsterdam.

Visitor Info

Planning Your Visit

Artis is centrally located and highly accessible. The park is designed to be inclusive, with the zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum being largely wheelchair-accessible. Facilities include accessible toilets and specialized parking spaces to ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.

Official website

Accessibility

Inclusive Facilities

The zoo provides various amenities for visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible paths and specialized restrooms throughout the grounds.

Education

Daily Activities

With 20 nature education activities per day, there are frequent opportunities to learn from keepers and educators about wildlife and conservation.

Bookable experiences

Experiences around Artis Zoo.

Some links may earn Amsterdam Explorer a commission, at no extra cost to you. The booking content appears only after you accept optional content.

Getting There

Transport Links

Artis is located in the heart of Amsterdam, directly on one of the historic canals. It is easily reached by public transport; Tram 14 runs directly from Amsterdam Central Station to the ARTIS stop. Additionally, Tram lines 7 and 19 stop nearby, and the Waterlooplein metro station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the entrance.

Questions

Common Inquiries

Is Artis Zoo accessible for wheelchairs?⌄

Yes, the zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum are largely wheelchair-accessible, and the park offers various amenities for visitors with disabilities.

How do I get to Artis from Central Station?⌄

You can take Tram 14 directly from Amsterdam Central Station to the ARTIS tram stop, which is located right by the entrance.

What makes Artis different from other zoos?⌄

Artis is one of the oldest zoos in the world and features 26 national monuments, a planetarium, and specialized museums like Micropia within its grounds.