Artis

Artis, officially Natura Artis Magistra, is a zoo and botanical garden located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Opened in 1838, it is among the oldest zoos in Europe and remains a prominent urban nature park. The site sits in the Plantage district near the city center, combining animal enclosures, a botanical collection, and historic buildings within a landscaped 19th‑century layout.

History and purpose: Artis was founded by a group of naturalists and civic leaders to educate the public about nature and science. Over the years it expanded to include an aquarium, a planetarium, and several museums. The facility has undergone renovations to modernize housing and improve animal welfare while preserving its 19th‑century architecture.

Collection and facilities: The zoo houses a diverse range of mammal, bird, reptile, and invertebrate species. The adjacent botanical garden features native and exotic plants. The on‑site planetarium and museum spaces provide educational programming and temporary exhibitions. The park is a popular destination for locals and visitors and serves as a conservation and research partner for various species programs.

Management and significance: Artis is operated as a public‑facing cultural and scientific site, with governance by the city of Amsterdam and a managing foundation. It is regarded as part of the Netherlands’ historic zoo landscape and contributes to urban recreation, public education, and biodiversity outreach.