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10 AM – 6 PM
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, Amsterdam
2-3 hours approx.
From 17.50 €

ARTIS – Micropia in Amsterdam – Book Tickets Online and Meet the Smallest Creatures

This website offers official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

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4.8
(40)

Micropia: Discover the invisible life (skip-the-line)

Highlights

Explore the only museum in the world focused on microbes.

Discover how microbes influence the natural world and human life.

Engage with interactive displays and animated content.

Celebrate the museum’s 10th anniversary with special exhibits and events.

Attend workshops designed for children during the holiday season.

4.6
(14)

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo & Micropia: Skip The Line Entry Ticket

Highlights

Explore the oldest zoo in the Netherlands featuring diverse animal species.

Discover the world’s only museum dedicated to microbes at Micropia.

Avoid waiting in queues with priority access.

Experience special exhibitions celebrating Micropia’s 10th anniversary.

Benefit from wheelchair accessibility throughout the attraction.

4.7
(20)

I amsterdam City Card: 100+ Museums, Sightseeing + Public Transport

Highlights

Access over 100 museums and key sights without extra charges.

Enjoy a complimentary canal cruise that showcases the city’s historic waterways.

Benefit from unlimited rides on buses, trams, and metro during your card’s active period.

Take advantage of a day-long bike rental to explore the city on two wheels.

Receive special offers and discounts at various spots throughout Amsterdam and the nearby areas.

Enjoy free entry to popular institutions like the Rijksmuseum, ARTIS Zoo, and Hermitage Amsterdam.

Welcome to ARTIS – Micropia in Amsterdam

Visit ARTIS – Micropia in Amsterdam, where the invisible becomes unforgettable. Explore, discover, and get your ticket to Amsterdam’s only museum devoted to the tiny life that shapes our world.

About ARTIS Micropia

Micropia is a one-of-a-kind interactive museum located in Amsterdam that focuses exclusively on the fascinating world of microorganisms. As the first and only museum worldwide dedicated to making microbes visible to the human eye, Micropia offers visitors a unique educational experience where they can observe live microbes under microscopes and learn about their essential roles in sustaining life on Earth. The museum features diverse exhibits showcasing various microorganisms, along with daily live presentations and hands-on workshops that engage visitors in understanding these invisible life forms. Situated within the ARTIS complex, Micropia demonstrates the profound impact microbes have on our environment, health, and everyday life.

  • Address Plantage Kerklaan 38–40, Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Number of Annual Visitors Approximately 100,000
  • Founded in 2014

Why Visit ARTIS Micropia?

  • Micropia offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden microbial universe that surrounds and lives inside us. As the world’s only museum dedicated entirely to microorganisms, visitors can see microbes visible to the naked eye through advanced microscopes, gaining new insight into these essential yet often overlooked life forms.
  • At Micropia, guests can witness an impressive variety of live microbes such as Cyclops strenuus, the tiny water creature; Caenorhabditis elegans, a well-studied nematode; and Physarum polycephalum, the intriguing slime mold. These living specimens demonstrate the diversity and complexity of microbes across different environments.
  • Engage with daily presentations called The Lab Talks, held at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., where experts explain various microbial phenomena. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities like collecting microbe stamps throughout the museum, enhancing both learning and entertainment.
  • Micropia hosts special programs such as workshops to grow oyster mushrooms using eco-friendly materials like coffee grounds and milk cartons. These sessions, often featured during the Weekend of Science, provide practical experiences connecting microbes with everyday life and sustainability.
  • Each month, Micropia highlights a unique microbe in a special display, deepening visitor understanding of its role in nature and human life. This rotating feature encourages repeat visits and continuous discovery for those fascinated by the microscopic world.

Timings of ARTIS Micropia

  • Micropia is open daily to allow visitors to explore the fascinating world of microbes throughout the week.
  • Monday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • December 31 (New Year's Eve): 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • The venue remains open every day of the year with no regular closing days.

Best Times to Visit ARTIS – Micropia in Amsterdam

Mornings Right After Opening (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

Arriving early lets you experience the exhibits before the museum gets busier. This is the ideal time to engage with interactive displays, spend more time at microscopes, and explore at a slower, more personal pace.

Weekdays, Especially Tuesday Through Thursday

Midweek visits usually mean fewer crowds compared to weekends. You’ll have more space to view the living microbes up close and enjoy the detailed multimedia installations without waiting in line.

Late Afternoon (After 3:00 PM)

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, late afternoons are often calmer. It’s a good window to wrap up your day after exploring Amsterdam or ARTIS Zoo next door, while still enjoying Micropia before it closes at 5:00 PM.

Outside Peak Tourist Seasons

Amsterdam is busiest during summer (June–August) and holiday breaks. Visiting Micropia in the late fall, winter, or early spring provides a more relaxed experience with shorter lines and easier access to nearby attractions.

During Special Events and Educational Programs

Micropia regularly hosts talks, demonstrations, and themed activities that bring science to life. Planning your visit around these events allows you to see limited-time presentations, join interactive sessions, and gain deeper insight into the invisible world of microbes.

Location and Address of ARTIS Micropia

Nestled in Amsterdam’s leafy Plantage district, ARTIS-Micropia sits beside the historic ARTIS Zoo and forms part of a vibrant cultural hub. It’s housed in a 19th-century building at Artisplein, putting you within walking distance of tram, metro, and scenic canals. Visitors can easily combine a trip here with exploring the surrounding botanical gardens or the Groote Museum nearby.

  • Address Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

How to Get to ARTIS – Micropia in Amsterdam

By Car

The museum is centrally located in Amsterdam’s Plantage district and can be reached easily from major city roads.

Paid parking is available at ARTIS Parking (Plantage Kerklaan 38), just a short walk from the entrance.

Parking spots are limited, especially on weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.

Driving is convenient if you are traveling with family or coming from outside the city center.

By Tram

Several GVB tram lines stop close to ARTIS – Micropia, making it one of the easiest ways to reach the museum.

Trams 14 (from Amsterdam Centraal Station) and 7 & 19 (from Amsterdam West and Sloterdijk) stop nearby.

Get off at ARTIS stop (Plantage Kerklaan), which is just a short walk to the entrance.

Taking the tram is a quick and budget-friendly option, especially if you’re exploring multiple Amsterdam attractions.

By Metro

The nearest metro station is Waterlooplein, about a 10-minute walk from the museum.

Lines 51, 53, and 54 stop at Waterlooplein, connecting ARTIS – Micropia to other parts of the city.

This option is ideal if you’re traveling from Amsterdam Zuid, Bijlmer, or Amsterdam Amstel.

By Bus

Several bus routes stop near ARTIS – Micropia, including lines serving the Plantage and Oost districts.

Buses connect easily from Amsterdam Amstel Station and other central points.

Always check GVB’s real-time schedules for the smoothest trip.

By Train

If you’re arriving from another city, the easiest option is to take a train to Amsterdam Centraal Station.

From there, ARTIS – Micropia is about 10 minutes away by tram or a 25-minute walk.

Trains connect directly from Schiphol Airport and other major Dutch cities, making the museum very accessible.

On Foot or By Bike

Micropia is within walking distance of the city center and only about 20 minutes on foot from Dam Square.

Biking is also a classic Amsterdam experience, with bike racks available near the museum entrance.

Exploring by bike or foot lets you enjoy the charming Plantage neighborhood and nearby attractions like the Hortus Botanicus.

Things to Know Before Visiting ARTIS Micropia in Amsterdam

Onsite Facilities

  • Restrooms Restrooms are available on multiple levels of the museum for visitor comfort. Accessible restrooms are also provided.
  • Dining Options While Micropia itself does not have a café, visitors can enjoy food and drinks at de Plantage, a stylish restaurant located next to the museum. Additional dining options are available inside the ARTIS Zoo and nearby Plantage neighborhood.
  • Museum Shop The Micropia Shop offers a curated selection of books, science kits, gifts, and souvenirs themed around microbiology and the invisible world.
  • Parking Paid parking is available at ARTIS Parking (Plantage Kerklaan 38), within walking distance of the museum entrance. Limited street parking is also available in the surrounding area.
  • Free Wi-Fi Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum to help visitors stay connected.
  • Cloakroom / Storage A self-service cloakroom is available for coats and smaller bags. Larger luggage or suitcases are not permitted inside the museum.

Accessibility Information

  • Wheelchair Accessibility All exhibition areas and public spaces in Micropia are fully accessible for wheelchair users.
  • Elevators & Ramps Elevators and ramps are available, making it easy to navigate between different floors.
  • Wheelchair Rentals Wheelchairs are available upon request at the entrance, free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Service Animals Certified service animals are welcome in all areas of the museum.
  • Assistive Resources Exhibits feature clear visual and written explanations. While assistive listening devices are not standard, staff members are available to provide support when needed.
  • Accessible Parking Designated accessible parking spaces are available at the ARTIS Parking lot near the museum.

Visitor Guidelines

  • Tickets It is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and save time at the entrance.
  • Arrival Plan to arrive at least 10–15 minutes before your scheduled visit, especially during peak seasons.
  • Photography Photography is permitted inside Micropia, but flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed to protect exhibits and ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors.
  • Food & Drink Policy Food and drinks are not permitted inside the museum. Dining options are available nearby.
  • Bags & Luggage Large bags, luggage, and oversized backpacks are not allowed inside the museum and should be left at the cloakroom or lockers.
  • Phone Use Visitors are encouraged to silence mobile phones and avoid loud conversations to maintain a calm environment.

Rules and Regulations

  • Ticket Policy A valid ticket is required for entry. Re-entry is only permitted with staff approval.
  • Children Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Behavior & Respect Running, shouting, or disruptive behavior is not permitted in order to preserve a respectful environment.
  • Exhibits Please do not touch displays, models, or microscopes unless marked as interactive.
  • Food & Drinks Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are not allowed inside exhibition areas.
  • Smoking/Vaping Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the museum and on museum grounds.

Interesting Facts About ARTIS-Micropia

World’s First Microbe Museum

Micropia is the very first museum entirely devoted to microorganisms — a place where the invisible life that surrounds and lives within us is made visible.

Over a Decade in the Making

The idea was first conceptualized in 2003, but Micropia took about 12 years of planning, design, and development before finally opening its doors in 2014.

Living Microbes On Display

Micropia has a real laboratory on site where technicians care for and cultivate live microbes. Visitors can examine over 40 species of living microorganisms through microscopes.

Body Scan & Personal Microbiome

One of the museum’s signature exhibits is a Body Scan that reveals the microbes living on/in your own body. You also interact with exhibits like the “Kiss-o-Meter” that shows microbes exchanged during a kiss.

You Carry About 1.5 kg of Microbes

All humans carry around 1.5 kilograms of microbes in and on their bodies. They outnumber our human cells by a large margin.

The Building Is Historic

Micropia is housed in a national monument called de Ledenlokalen, built in 1870. Rather than constructing a new building, the museum repurposed this listed building, integrating modern museum and lab spaces while preserving heritage architecture.

Innovative Design & Multimedia

Exhibits use 3D viewers, live microscopy, multimedia animations, petri dish walls, and visualizations of microbes in motion. Even the lift ride to upper levels includes immersive visual content about microscopes and microbes.

Microbes Are Everywhere & Ancient

Microorganisms have existed for ~3.5 billion years, thriving in extreme environments and playing key roles in all life on Earth. Micropia highlights how they survive, adapt, and are essential even in environments hostile to most other life forms.

Big Impact — Small Creatures

Microbes are responsible for many processes we often take for granted — producing much of Earth’s oxygen, degrading waste, helping digestion, defending against harmful pathogens. Micropia emphasizes that these tiny organisms are in fact essential to life.

Award-Winning & Educational

Micropia has received international recognition, including innovation awards for its design, content, and engaging way of making science accessible to the general public. It also operates as an educational and outreach platform, aiming to bridge the gap between microbiology and everyday life.adapt, and are essential even in environments hostile to most other life forms.

FAQs About ARTIS - Micropia

What are the opening hours of ARTIS-Micropia?

Micropia is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including public holidays.

Where is ARTIS-Micropia located & what is its address?

ARTIS-Micropia is located in Amsterdam’s Plantage district, adjacent to ARTIS Zoo. Its address is Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Is ARTIS-Micropia wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The museum provides elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Visitors in wheelchairs can generally access all exhibition levels, though a few outdoor garden or historic paths may pose limitations.

How long does a visit usually take?

Most guests spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits, depending on how deeply they engage with interactive stations, Lab Talks, and microscopes.

Can children enter for free / are there discounts?

Yes — children up to age 12 are admitted free of charge to ARTIS-Micropia.

Do I need to book tickets in advance or reserve a time slot?

It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance to secure entry, especially during busy days, though on-site ticket purchase is sometimes offered if space remains.

Are combination tickets available (for ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, Groote Museum)?

Yes — there are combo ticket options allowing access to ARTIS Zoo, Micropia, and the Groote Museum, often with a discounted rate.

What exhibits or experiences can I expect inside Micropia?

Visitors can view live microbes under microscopes, explore interactive installations like the “Kiss-o-Meter,” and attend Lab Talks (mini lectures) on microbiology topics.

Is photography allowed inside the museum?

Yes, non-flash photography for personal use is generally allowed. However, in certain sensitive exhibit zones or near delicate tech, flash or tripods may be restricted.

This website sells official tickets for this venue. Please note, however, that it is not the official website of the venue.

The images and videos on this website may contain visual elements that have been created or enhanced using AI technology. They are provided for illustrative purposes only.