Indulge in Amsterdam’s lively ambiance by visiting Artis, the city’s magnificent zoo. Discover over 1,000 diverse species, ranging from regal lions to exotic orchids. Enjoy an unforgettable family excursion or embark on an exhilarating adventure with friends. Uncover the ideal fusion of nature, culture, and leisure, making Artis an absolute essential during any city trip to Amsterdam!
With an Zoo ARTIS ticket, a world of animal species awaits. Penguins, wolves, giraffes, and more can be seen in this Amsterdam zoo. Immerse yourself in the impressive art collection, browse the zoological library, and visit the planetarium. Throughout the zoo, discover 27 remarkable monuments.
For a thrilling adventure in the Dutch capital, secure your ticket to ARTIS!
New Lion Enclosure in Artis
The new lion enclosure in Artis was officially opened on 3 October 2023. Designed by landscape architect Thijs de Zeeuw and architect Alexander Lefebvre, this new habitat is more than ten times larger than the old Kerbert Terrace, offering a more natural and enriched environment for the lions. Inspired by the African savannah, it features various habitats such as a sandy plain, a vegetated rocky area, and grassland along water banks. This allows the lions to exhibit their natural behaviours better and provides them with more choices in their environment.
Visitors can view the lions from different vantage points, gaining a unique insight into the lives of these majestic animals. The new enclosure highlights the importance of conservation and education, sharing stories about the lion’s role in its habitat and its vulnerable status in the wild.
New Inhabitants for Artis in 2024
The former lion enclosure, the Kerbert Terrace in Artis, is set for an exciting renovation and new inhabitants. This historic enclosure will be connected to the opposite lemur enclosure and will soon house red ruffed lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, and a tortoise from Madagascar.
Although the old enclosure is a listed monument and cannot be demolished, Artis will make adaptations to make it suitable for the new animals. The Kerbert Terrace will be connected to the lemur enclosure and a new indoor habitat via aerial tunnels, which will pass over the visitors, providing a unique experience.
The animals moving into the new enclosure already reside in Artis. The red ruffed lemurs currently live in the lemur enclosure, where visitors can walk through, the ring-tailed lemurs are in the Small Mammal House, and the tortoises are in the Reptile House.
With this renovation, Artis aims to raise awareness about the threatened nature of Madagascar, where many species are endangered. The Kerbert Terrace will remain accessible to visitors until the renovation starts, with a pontoon over the water.
Which animals are in Zoo Artis?
Elephants, penguins, giraffes, jaguars… All await with an ARTIS ticket, granting access to the Netherlands’ oldest zoo. Roam amidst stunning buildings and embrace the unique atmosphere while observing captivating animals. Established in 1838, ARTIS showcases historical structures, offering a glimpse into Dutch culture.
This remarkable sanctuary presents wild animals within an elegant ambiance. The zoological library, nestled behind the anteaters, awaits exploration. Enjoy a delectable meal at the restaurant with its aviary terrace. The Butterfly Garden enchants with countless fluttering creatures. Your ARTIS ticket guarantees a memorable experience.
ARTIS houses around 900 animal species, including rare and extinct ones such as the quagga and passenger pigeon. Its commitment to conservation and education makes it a destination cherished by wildlife enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in ARTIS’ rich history and cultural heritage. Discover the zoo’s collection of historic buildings and monuments, adding to its unique ambiance. Wander through the picturesque grounds and appreciate the architectural marvels that define this iconic institution.
Plan your visit to ARTIS and embark on a journey of wonder, discovery, and conservation. With diverse animal species, educational shows, and historical charm, ARTIS offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
History of Zoo Artis Amsterdam
Established in 1838, ARTIS is among the world’s oldest zoos and a beloved landmark in Amsterdam. Originally known as Natura Artis Magistra, its mission was to disseminate knowledge of natural history to the public. Inspired by London Zoo, ARTIS aimed to be accessible to a wider audience, unlike other privately-owned European zoos. Starting in Buiten Middenhof, it grew over time, amassing a diverse collection of animals, plants, and cultural artifacts.
Despite challenges like World War II and financial hardships, ARTIS thrived, becoming a cultural hub with a zoological library, art collection, and planetarium. Today, ARTIS is renowned for its conservation efforts, breeding programs, and research endeavors dedicated to preserving biodiversity. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes and historic edifices, ARTIS offers an exceptional and enlightening experience, connecting visitors to the marvels of the natural world.
Zoo Artis celebrates 185 years!
ARTIS celebrates its 185th anniversary in May with a month-long series of special activities and events. Visitors can immerse themselves in the zoo’s rich history and explore fascinating stories. Highlights include an experiential walk, guided tours of the monument garden, and an exploration of ARTIS during wartime. ARTIS-Micropia offers a journey through time, while a reflective event features former ARTIS directors.
The celebration also includes a tribute to 100 years of Planetaria. As a gift, visitors to ARTIS-Park in May can enjoy free access to ARTIS-Micropia and the ARTIS-Groote Museum. It’s a unique opportunity to experience ARTIS in all its glory.
Example of a day’s agenda in Artis
ARTIS, the Netherlands’ oldest zoo, offers a wide range of activities. Attend a private lesson in the Planetarium at 10:00 AM, reserved for educational purposes. At 11:00 AM, enjoy the “Planet Sock” show, featuring the cosmic escapades of Artis the Partis and Artis the Marsis.
Engross yourself in captivating animal stories during the “Keeper Tells” sessions. From sea lions to elephants and gorillas, learn about their behaviors and habitats. The Planetarium enthralls with shows like “Alien Worlds” at 1:00 PM, exploring the possibility of habitable planets beyond Earth. At 4:00 PM, the “Network Earth” show reveals the interconnectedness of our world.
Conclude your day with the “Worlds beyond Earth” show at 5:00 PM, delving into the uniqueness of our planet. Please note that this show is in English without subtitles.
How to get to Zoo Artis Amsterdam?
Tram
Transportation options to reach ARTIS are convenient and varied. Tram 14, serving the Amsterdam Centraal-Flevopark route, provides direct access to the Main Entrance. Additionally, Alexanderplein, a mere ten-minute walk from the Main Entrance, is serviced by Trams 7 (Slotermeer-Azartplein) and 19 (Station Sloterdijk-Diemen Sniep).
Metro
For those opting for the metro, Waterlooplein is the closest station. Commuters can board Metro lines 51, 53, or 54 at Amsterdam Centraal, which will transport them to Waterlooplein. From there, it’s a leisurely ten-minute stroll to the Main Entrance.
Bus
Alternatively, buses 22 and 43 depart from Amsterdam Centraal and lead to Kadijksplein. Visitors can alight there and enjoy a pleasant six-minute walk to reach the Main Entrance. The accessibility and proximity of these transportation options make it convenient for visitors to explore ARTIS.
We really like the Zoo in Amsterdam. Hopefully you’ll also enjoy the beautifull zoo!