De Volharding historic heritage building
Built on the foundations of a rice warehouse, it was formerly home to the Ethnographic Museum and now houses offices, a lecture hall and animal enclosures.
From rice warehouse to national monument.
The Ethnographic Museum at ARTIS
In 1866, ARTIS purchased a rice warehouse. Architect Adolf Leonard van Gendt was then assigned to design the current building, which was constructed on the foundations of the original warehouse. The new building was to house the Ethnographic Museum, which opened in 1888 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of ARTIS. The museum displayed objects from Indonesia and New Guinea, such as weapons, clothing, idols and temple bells, which had been donated by missionaries, officials and travellers.
New perspective
In the 1920s, the ethnographic collection was transferred to the Koloniaal Instituut, now known as the Wereldmusem. De Volharding was thoroughly remodelled in 1923 by architect B.J. Ouëndag, who set the building up for its new role as a zoology laboratory and lecture hall for the University of Amsterdam. Since then, the building has had various functions. These days, it is home to offices for ARTIS staff.
From past to present
- built in
- 1888
- designed by
- A.L. van Gendt, B.J. Ouëndag (remodelling in 1922-23)
- formerly
- aviaries for birds of prey, pens and yards for cattle, Ethnographic Museum, lecture hall, Zoological Laboratory, the Jungle By Night nocturnal animal house
- now
- griffon vultures, red-necked wallabies, lecture hall, ARTIS staff offices
Animals at De Volharding
De Volharding has accommodated many animals over the years. There used to be stables for cattle, but only the wisent remained after 1982, occupying a more spacious yard. On the west side there were aviaries for vultures and birds of prey. The Jungle by Night nocturnal animal house opened in 1995 and was an immediate hit with zoo visitors. These days, griffon vultures and red-necked wallabies live at De Volharding, but the old cattle pens remain visible as a reminder of how ARTIS has evolved over its long history.
Restoration of De Volharding
In 2022, De Volharding underwent restoration works that returned the building to its 1923 colour scheme. ARTIS had zinc-coloured solar panels installed on the roof, demonstrating that it is possible to maintain heritage monuments in a sustainable way. The building was also once again adorned with an armillary sphere – a celestial model symbolising knowledge and science. This sphere contains a quote from nature educator Eli Heimans: ‘He who has worked with love lives on. He who has given of his whole self, has given for eternity.’
