Get lost in a world of discovery and wildlife at the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo. And with your ticket you’re granted free admission to the Planetarium which forms part of the 25-acre site in Amsterdam. “Journey through the universe” at ARTIS-Planetarium or even attend a one-of-a-kind Candlelight concert underneath its copper, dome-shaped ceiling.
From daily shows at the Planetarium to guided tours, there are plenty of activities to look forward to thanks to ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo. Fortunately, it is open from 9am to 6pm every day, and given that it’s located in the centre of Amsterdam, it’s easily accessed by public transport. The zoo’s parking lot can be found beyond the main entrance (Plantage Kerklaan 40) and the grounds are wheelchair accessible for the most part.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about ARTIS-Planetarium
1. What is ARTIS?
Thanks to Messrs Westerman, Werlemann and Wijsmuller, ARTIS was founded in 1838 with the objective of “Promoting the knowledge of Natural History”. What began as a small collection of some parrots, monkeys, and a wildcat, has since grown into a modern zoo housing around 5,600 specimens of some 1,350 species.
The microbe museum Micropia, new enclosures, the Aquarium (currently under renovation), the Groote Museum, and the Planetarium are some of the attractions proving the success of this educational and eye-opening project.
2. Shows at ARTIS-Planetarium
Some of the fantastic shows taking place at the Planetarium include the likes of Journey through the Universe. This live show prompts audiences to ask questions like, “What is our place in this enormous galaxy? What will you encounter if you go even further?” Planeet Sok is a daily show which follows the adventures of Artis de Partis and his cousin Artis de Marsis. It is a 360˚ children’s show taking young minds on a journey through space.
3. Asking bigger questions
Anyone visiting the Planetarium is likely to be an inquisitive person. If you are one of the open-minded, the nearby ARTIS-Groote Museum is about asking the big questions. This unique experience involves visitors entering into 14 interconnected zones, and in each zone room you’ll find a space representing a part of the body such as the heart.
The challenge is to interact with videos, photographs, and installations in each zone to explore “the complete interconnectedness and interdependency between humans, animals, plants, microbes, and the Earth itself.”
Candlelight concerts at ARTIS-Planetarium
Find your seat at ARTIS-Planetarium and prepare to be captivated by classical takes on some of your favourite music. This incredible venue is welcoming the wildly popular Candlelight series. These live music performances feature talented musicians reimagining timeless compositions and modern-day hits in a candlelit setting. From a tribute to Adele to a concert celebrating Coldplay’s anthemic songs, there’s something for every kind of music lover.
What else can you do at ARTIS-Planetarium?
The Planetarium is available for hire, it offers fascinating exhibitions thanks to the 20-metre dome, and you can find a plethora of books at the Planetarium’s shop. Before or after visiting the Planetarium, you should explore the rest of ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Don’t miss out on the recently opened lion enclosure!
There is something truly extraordinary about listening to soothing melodies inside ARTIS-Planetarium. The combination of flickering candles and a spectacular venue makes for a memorable evening out in Amsterdam. What’s more, you can discover some of the city’s other venues as Candlelight is illuminating several spaces this season.