The refurbished ARTIS Aquarium
The primary focus of the new ARTIS Aquarium is water and the vulnerability of everything that lives in, on and around it, and our influence upon it as human beings.
Sustainability, accessibility and animal welfare
The most sustainable aquarium in the Netherlands .
Maintaining the temperature of freshwater and seawater aquariums consumes a great deal of energy. Meeting the requirements for both animal welfare and sustainability in an aquarium dating back to the 19th century is therefore a considerable challenge. ARTIS regards this restoration as the perfect opportunity to make the building as sustainable as possible.
The roofs, walls, filter tanks and water reservoirs will all be fully insulated, as will the historic glass. The entrance to the building will be fitted with a draught porch to prevent the loss of warmth, and an underground thermal energy storage system beneath the building will be used to store heat. Solar panels will be installed in a discreet position on the roofs, and PV (photovoltaic) glass will be installed in the windows where possible.
A new permanent exhibition .
ARTIS aims to inspire people to take good care of nature. That’s why a new, permanent exhibition on the importance of clean, healthy water will also be installed during the restoration to help convey what is possibly the most critical message of our times. Healthy oceans are essential for life on earth. Although we are utterly dependent upon the seas and oceans, we are also the greatest polluters of our waters. If we are to keep our planet and the oceans liveable, then it is vital for us to change our behaviour.
The concept for the exhibition is still being developed by a team of experts. It is expected to be on display at the renovated Aquarium from spring 2026.
Part of something larger .
ARTIS is undergoing a major transformation in order to become a leading institution in the field of conservation. The renovation of the ARTIS Aquarium is an important part of this. Each year, around 1.5 million visitors of all ages, from Amsterdam and much further afield, are expected to encounter the underwater world here. The Aquarium not only showcases the beauty and vulnerability of water, it also encourages people to take personal responsibility for life in and around the water. The more people who can receive this important message with, the better.
If you would like to know more about the restoration, or are interested in supporting the Aquarium, please contact Judith van den Berg by e-mail at steunartis@artis.nl or by telephone on +31 (0)6 51 40 38 11.