Amsterdam: ARTIS-Groote Museum Entry Ticket

The Amsterdam: ARTIS-Groote Museum Entry Ticket offers a unique opportunity to explore the interconnectedness of life on earth in a museum setting designed to challenge your worldview. For $20 per person, visitors gain access to this engaging attraction in North Holland, open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Thursdays. Children up to 12 years old enter free, making this a wonderful option for families seeking educational fun. The one-day validity makes it convenient to plan a visit, while the interactive exhibits and special features like the new “Unearthed” soil exhibition and sensory tunnel ensure an engaging experience for all ages.

While the museum’s focus on science and ecology is clear, some visitors note that it is not a traditional natural history museum. Instead, it offers a thought-provoking look at how humans, animals, plants, and microbes are all linked. The interactive activities, including crawling in a molehill and playing the Connected Family Game, foster hands-on learning. Accessibility is good, with wheelchair-friendly facilities, and the location in Amsterdam makes it easy to incorporate into a city itinerary.

Key Points

• Affordable entry at $20 per person with free entry for children aged 0-12
• Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Thursdays
• Interactive exhibits focus on how all life on earth is connected, encouraging curiosity about ecology and biology
• Highlights include the “Unearthed” soil exhibition and the chance to crawl in a molehill to experience underground life
• Family-friendly activities like the Connected Family Game make learning fun for kids
• Not a typical natural history museum; it challenges your perspectives on life and our place in nature

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the “Unearthed” Soil Exhibition in Amsterdam

The “Unearthed” exhibit in the ARTIS-Groote Museum showcases soil from Amsterdam, providing insight into what lies beneath our feet. This new exhibition invites visitors to consider the vital role soil plays in supporting life, with interactive displays that make the concept accessible and engaging. The exhibit emphasizes how soil connects to the broader ecosystem, making it a perfect stop for those interested in ecology and environmental science.

Visitors find this exhibit particularly memorable because it offers visual and tactile experiences that deepen understanding. The opportunity to learn about soil microbes and their importance helps demystify an often-overlooked part of nature. This exhibit aligns well with the museum’s goal of challenging worldviews about human and ecological relationships.

Crawl in a Molehill and Experience Life Underground

One of the most distinctive features of this tour is the chance to crawl inside a molehill. This activity provides a hands-on experience of what it feels like to live beneath the ground. It’s designed to spark curiosity about underground ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them.

This interactive element appeals especially to children and families, who enjoy the tactile feeling of being in a natural environment. It also offers a unique perspective on how animals like moles and crocodiles move and live, drawing surprising connections between human childhood crawling and animal behavior. The activity enhances understanding of how life underground contributes to overall biodiversity.

The “Connected Family Game” Promotes Learning and Fun

The “100% Connected Family Game” is a highlight for families visiting the museum. This game challenges players to think about how humans, animals, plants, and microbes are interconnected. It encourages teamwork and curiosity as participants explore ecological relationships in a playful setting.

Designed to engage children and adults alike, this activity helps instill awareness about environmental connections. It’s perfect for families who want to combine education with entertainment during their museum visit. The game is an example of how the museum makes science accessible through interactive storytelling.

Accessibility and Nearby Facilities

The museum’s location in Amsterdam makes it easy to reach and convenient for visitors exploring the city. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits comfortably. Restrooms, cafes, and restaurants are located within or near the museum, providing options for refreshments during your visit.

Since the museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, visitors have flexibility in planning their day. On Thursdays, the extended hours until 10 pm allow for evening visits, ideal for those who prefer a less crowded experience or wish to combine the visit with other evening activities.

More Great Tours Nearby

The “Scent Tunnel” and Other Sensory Experiences

Entry to the scent tunnel is included with the ticket, offering a multi-sensory experience that complements the educational exhibits. This installation focuses on the aromas of nature and microbes, helping visitors connect through smell to the themes of ecology and microbiology.

The tunnel experience adds a layer of immersion to the visit, making it especially engaging for children and those interested in sensory learning. It exemplifies the museum’s approach of combining science with experiential activities.

The Museum’s Architectural Charm and Historical Significance

The ARTIS-Groote Museum is housed in a historic national monument, adding an architectural charm to the overall experience. Its historic setting complements the modern, interactive exhibits, creating a thought-provoking juxtaposition of old and new.

This blend of history and science offers a meaningful context for understanding the museum’s mission to question and expand perceptions of our natural world.

How the Museum Compares to Similar Attractions

While the ARTIS-Groote Museum is not a traditional natural history museum, its focus on interconnectedness and ecology makes it a standout. Some reviews describe it as “very strange” compared to typical museums, but that reflects its innovative approach.

Compared to the ARTIS Royal Zoo, which requires a separate ticket, this museum offers a more focused scientific experience. It pairs well with other attractions like Micropia or the Moco Museum, providing a broad cultural and educational day in Amsterdam.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Plan to spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits and activities. The interactive nature of the museum makes it ideal for families and curious minds. Booking tickets in advance ensures entry during busy periods, especially on weekends and Thursdays with extended hours.

Remember, food and drinks are not included, but nearby cafes and restaurants provide convenient options. The museum’s accessibility makes it suitable for visitors with mobility needs, and the free entry for children under 13 offers excellent value for families.

Final Thoughts on the ARTIS-Groote Museum Experience

The ARTIS-Groote Museum stands apart with its focus on how all life is connected, blending science, art, and hands-on activities. Its interactive exhibits challenge perceptions and foster curiosity about microbes, soil, and ecosystems.

While some might find it less traditional as a natural history museum, its innovative approach and family-friendly activities make it a worthwhile visit for those interested in ecology and science education. The combination of special exhibitions, sensory tunnels, and playful learning creates an engaging environment suited for children, families, and curious adults alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticket valid for a full day visit?
Yes, the ticket is valid for one day, allowing flexible planning. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Thursdays.

Are children under 12 years old required to pay?
No, children up to 12 years old can enter free of charge with a paying adult.

What activities are included in the ticket?
The ticket grants access to all exhibits, including the scent tunnel, “Unearthed” soil exhibition, and the crawl-in molehill experience.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with different mobility needs.

Can I visit the museum on Christmas or New Year’s?
Yes, the museum is open on Christmas Day (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1), with specific hours: 9 am to 5 pm on Christmas, 10 am to 5 pm on January 1.

How long should I plan to stay?
Typically, 1 to 2 hours allows visitors to experience the main exhibits and activities thoroughly.

Are there nearby cafes or restaurants?
Yes, restaurants and cafes are within the building or nearby, providing options for refreshments during your visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby