Amsterdam: ARTIS-Groote Museum Entry Ticket

Amsterdam’s ARTIS-Groote Museum offers a hands-on exploration of how all life on Earth is linked. Located in the vibrant heart of the city, this museum is perfect for curious travelers who want to see the bigger picture of nature and humanity in an engaging way. For just $20, you gain access to a place that challenges your worldview with interactive exhibits and thought-provoking stories.

We particularly appreciate the focus on interconnection—from the soil of Amsterdam to the similarities between intestines and tree roots, the museum makes science feel personal and relevant. The family-oriented activities like the 100% Connected Family Game and crawling in a molehill make this a fun visit for kids and adults alike. A major plus is the extended Thursday hours until 10 pm, which allows for a more relaxed, less crowded experience.

One consideration is that the museum can feel a little unconventional—it’s not your traditional natural history museum, which may surprise some visitors expecting a more straightforward display of animals and fossils. Also, while the entry is free for children up to 12, the overall experience is best appreciated with an open mind and a willingness to engage with interactive, sometimes quirky, exhibits.

This experience suits families, science enthusiasts, and anyone interested in seeing how interconnected life truly is. If you’re looking for an educational outing that’s both fun and thought-provoking, ARTIS-Groote Museum is worth your time during your Amsterdam trip.

Key Points

Interactive Exhibits: Engages visitors with hands-on activities and installations.
Family-Friendly: Free entry for children up to 12, with activities suitable for all ages.
Unique Perspectives: Challenges your view of nature and human biology.
Extended Hours: Thursdays till 10 pm offer a quieter, more relaxed visit.
Not a Traditional Natural History Museum: Its focus on relationships and stories makes it more experimental.
Affordable Entry: At $20, it offers a different kind of educational value than larger zoos or science centers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the ARTIS-Groote Museum

Museum lover? We've covered these other cultural institutions in Amsterdam

What Is the ARTIS-Groote Museum?

Nestled within Amsterdam’s historic ARTIS complex, the ARTIS-Groote Museum is more than just a place to look at stuffed animals or fossils. It’s a lively space designed to make science and ecology relatable. For a modest fee of $20, you gain access to a showcase of interactive exhibits, storytelling, and creative installations that explore how humans, microbes, plants, and animals are intertwined.

The museum’s goal is to question your assumptions and expand your understanding of our natural world. It’s a place that invites you to reflect on questions like: Where do we come from? Where are we heading? And what is our role in this big interconnected web? These themes are woven through every part of the experience, making it especially valuable for travelers interested in deeper insights rather than superficial sightseeing.

The Experience You Can Expect

Once inside, you’ll notice the museum’s modern, playful setup—there’s no overwhelming display of taxidermy here. Instead, you’ll encounter exhibitions, films, artworks, and stories designed to confront and challenge your understanding of nature and human biology.

A highlight is the new exhibition: “Unearthed – the soil of Amsterdam”, which likely appeals to those curious about local geography and urban ecology. It offers a peek into the ground beneath your feet—something often overlooked but essential to understanding city life and environmental health.

Another standout feature is the soil crawl in the molehill, allowing visitors to imagine what life is like underground. It’s a tactile, playful experience that appeals to kids and adults alike, providing a different perspective on an often unseen world.

Interactive and Educational Elements

The museum excels in interactive learning. For example, visitors can challenge their family or friends with the “100% Connected Family Game”, which emphasizes the links between different forms of life. The scent tunnel, included in the ticket, adds an unusual sensory layer, immersing you in different natural environments through smell.

Workshops and experiments are available, making science more than just passive viewing. The museum also offers stories, artworks, and films that challenge visitors to think critically about our place in the ecosystem. It’s a space that mirrors, confronts, and opens new perspectives—ideal for those who like their learning interactive and thought-provoking.

More Great Tours Nearby

Accessibility and Practical Info

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours on Thursdays until 10 pm, the ARTIS-Groote Museum ensures you can visit at your convenience. Children under 12 enter free, which makes it an excellent family outing. The museum is wheelchair accessible, accommodating a broad range of visitors.

A notable point from reviews is that the museum doesn’t fit the classic idea of a natural history museum. Instead, it feels more experimental, often surprising visitors with its creative approach. One reviewer called it “very strange,” but in a good way—more of a conceptual exploration than a traditional exhibit.

While in Amsterdam, here are other experiences we've covered

Worth the Price?

At $20, the museum offers a unique educational experience that emphasizes interconnectedness—a theme that’s increasingly relevant today. For families, the free entry for kids and engaging activities make it an excellent value. For solo travelers or couples interested in science and ecological issues, it’s a chance to see the world through a different lens.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

This museum resonates well with families with children, especially those who enjoy interactive learning. It’s also suited for science buffs or those curious about ecology and biology. If you appreciate a slightly quirky, thought-provoking experience that challenges traditional notions of museums, you’ll find this a memorable stop in Amsterdam.

The Sum Up

Visiting the ARTIS-Groote Museum in Amsterdam is more than a typical museum trip; it’s a chance to rethink our place in the natural world. Its interactive exhibits, storytelling approach, and family-friendly activities make it a compelling choice for travelers who want an educational yet fun outing.

While it might feel a bit unconventional—more experimental than a typical natural history museum—it’s that very quality that makes it stand out. The museum encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder about how life is connected at every level, from soil to microbe to human.

If you’re traveling with kids, or if you simply love exploring different ways of thinking about nature, this experience offers solid value. It’s particularly appealing if you’re in Amsterdam on a Thursday evening, thanks to the extended hours. Just keep an open mind and enjoy the stories, games, and sensory surprises that await.

FAQ

Is the ticket price inclusive of all exhibits?
Yes, the $20 ticket grants you access to all exhibits and installations, including the scent tunnel and interactive areas.

Are there special activities for children?
Children under 12 enter free, and the museum offers family-friendly activities like the 100% Connected Family Game and crawling in the molehill.

What are the museum’s opening hours?
It’s open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Thursdays. Holiday hours may vary slightly.

Can I visit the museum if I’m in a wheelchair?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible.

Is this experience suitable for a quick visit?
While you can see the main exhibits in a couple of hours, spending more time helps you engage with the interactive and educational aspects fully.

Does the ticket include entry to the ARTIS Royal Zoo?
No, the entry fee covers only the museum. Access to the zoo or Micropia requires separate tickets.

What makes this museum different from other science or natural history museums?
It’s more concept-driven and experimental, focusing on stories, relationships, and sensory experiences rather than traditional displays.

Is the museum a good value for the price?
Absolutely. For $20, you get an engaging, thought-provoking experience that’s especially great for families and curious minds.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility with your travel plans.

Is there a recommended age for visitors?
While children under 12 enter free and will enjoy the activities, the content and exhibits are designed to appeal to a broad audience, including adults.

Exploring the ARTIS-Groote Museum is an opportunity to see the interconnectedness of all life through engaging, interactive, and sometimes surprising ways. Whether you’re traveling with family, interested in ecology, or simply love a good story about nature, this museum invites you to see the world differently.