Discover ARTIS Zoo: Amsterdam’s Living Legacy

Amsterdam’s ARTIS Zoo—formally Natura Artis Magistra—is the Netherlands’ oldest zoo, founded in 1838, making it one of the world’s top five oldest surviving zoos :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Nestled at Plantage Kerklaan 38‑40, just a 10‑minute walk from Waterlooplein metro or a 30‑minute stroll from Dam Square, ARTIS Zoo offers a lush urban escape.

Open daily (9 AM–5 PM in winter, extended to 6 PM through October), the zoo welcomes adults at approximately €27–€30, with free admission for under‑3s and discounted rates for children and students.

Within its charming 14 hectare grounds, ARTIS features:

• Over 700 animal species—from African savannah giants like giraffes, zebras, and elephants to insects in the Butterfly Pavilion and Rainforest Greenhouse.
• A botanical garden and arboretum boasting 800+ trees, colorful spring tulips, and serene walking paths.
• 26–27 historical monuments—19th‑century buildings, bridges, and sculptures enriching every corner.
• Enriching Planetarium, Aquarium, and Micropia experiences—science, space, and microbes, all under one leafy canopy .

The zoo is a committed hub for education, conservation, and research, offering interactive guided tours, zookeeper talks, and school group programs. On weekends at 11:00 and 13:00, free guided tours (included with admission) delve into ARTIS’s animal care practices, historical anecdotes, and hidden botanical treasures.

Visitors during spring (Jan–May) are in for a floral feast—thousands of tulips bloom throughout ARTIS, rivaling even Keukenhof’s displays. Nearby attractions include the Jewish Museum, Hortus Botanicus, and the Portuguese Synagogue—perfect for pairing with a zoo day-trip.

In short, ARTIS Zoo is much more than a zoo—it’s a living museum where animal, plant, art, and history lovers can wander through centuries of discovery in Amsterdam’s green heart. For full details, check the original article: Artis Zoo Guide.