ARTIS-Micropia
Location
Essentials
- Discover the only microbe museum in the world, right in the heart of Amsterdam
- Find out which microbes are living on and inside you
- The only place where you can see microbes with your own eyes
- New exhibition: MAGNIFIED – discover the world through the microscope
Practical info
Children
Free entry for children up to 12 years old
Opening hours
Open daily, including public holidays
Monday - Sunday: 10.00 - 17.00
Ticket information
Ticket directly available on smartphone
Tickets can be rescheduled up to 48 hours in advance, tickets cannot be cancelled
More information
ARTIS-Micropia has its own privacy policy, general terms and conditions and the rules for a safe visit. Please read it prior to your visit
For questions about the products, please contact [email protected]
Accessibility
Getting there
Public Transport
The nearest stops are Artis (tram 14) and Weesperplein (metro 51, 53 & 54).
About
Discover the invisible life of microbes
You can’t see them, yet they’re all around you: microbes are everywhere. They live in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even inside our bodies. At ARTIS-Micropia, the first and only museum in the world devoted entirely to these microscopic organisms, you will uncover the astonishing universe of microbes and their influence on our lives.
ARTIS-Micropia invites you into a dynamic, high-tech exploration of the micro-world. Through microscopes, games, films, and interactive displays, you’ll come face-to-face with the smallest and most powerful forms of life on the planet. Discover how microbes play a role in digestion, health, fermentation, and ecosystems, and how they’ve thrived in the most extreme environments on Earth for over 3.5 billion years.
Explore the Unseen with MAGNIFIED
The only way to see this invisible life is through a microscope. In the new exhibition called ‘MAGNIFIED’, created in collaboration with Nikon, you will uncover how microscopes open up the world of microbes to us. Our view has continuously been expanded, from the first ever lenses to the super sharp images of today. Science and technology come together in images, film, stories and games.
Plan Your Microbial Adventure - Book your Micropia tickets here
Want to know how many microbes live on your phone? Or what role they play in your breakfast? At Micropia, you can create your own virtual microbe collection, track your microbial encounters, and even participate in fun hunts to discover hidden microbial "eggs" throughout the museum. It’s a hands-on journey for curious minds of all ages.
Located next to the ARTIS Royal Zoo, ARTIS-Micropia offers a one-of-a-kind museum experience unlike any other. Book your tickets online and prepare to view life from an entirely new angle. The microbial world is waiting—are you ready to explore it?
Reviews
60 reviews
Fascinating insight into Microbes!
What a fascinating place. My teen, tween and I absolutely loved our visit to this interactive museum experience. It was brilliant to see all the various types of tiny critters under the microscopes, meet the microbes biologists and learn about the world of microbiology. It really inspired my 11 year old. It is worth allocating a couple of hours to visit and is well worth it.
Microbes galore!
This museum is a quick stop with some interesting exhibits to see. More fitting for adolescents, but it was still a fun stop along our way. In this museum you will see microbes, fungi, and virus from a variety of sources. There were fun, interactive exhibits on the 1 and 2 floors.
Unexpected artwork and brilliant displays
Beautifully displayed in a variety of visual and oral presentations, ARTIS Micropia was a delight even for this adult who is creeped out by the thought of mites living in my eyelashes! The space inside is extremely clean, well-organized, and spacious enough for groups and strollers / buggies. We went through a gate into the introductory area and waited for the elevator while learning about the first microscope and its creator. On the upper floor we were immersed in darkness to support looking through microscopes and seeing black-light illuminated substances. All placards were offered in both Dutch and English. The exhibits are touchable and there is a card that can be picked up upon entrance to stamp at various exhibits with an image of the featured microbe or organism. Back on the main floor is natural light with a tapestry version of fungus and video showing how the tapestry came together. Blown glass models of microscopic organisms also on display above dioramas. An interactive 6-foot long screen of a “sick person” for you to explore and heal their ails. Food with bacterial and fungal growth also on display and an explanation of preservatives’ impact. My 18-year old artist student was fascinated and enjoyed this museum tremendously. We were onsite for just about 2 hours. We are from the USA and used the Museumkaart tourist pass for entrance. There is a yummy burger spot across the block, and next door to that wonderful ice cream and sorbet. Make an afternoon of it!
Hidden universe of microscopic life
The best museum ever to unlock the mysteries of the microscopic world. Microscopic life, up close: You get to see microorganisms that are usually invisible to the naked eye — through high-tech microscopes and interactive exhibits. Live microbes: Many of the displays show living organisms doing their thing in real time. Microbe passport: Visitors can collect "microbes" in a virtual passport — it’s part science, part game. Everyday connections: It shows how microbes live on us, in us, and around us — from gut health to cheese making to environmental cleanup.
Go and dive into the smallest living creatures world
The smallest living creatures in the world are presented in a creative way. You are invited to join in, smart applications make that you can follow bacteria, fungae, virusses in a beautiful way, with pictures, videos etc. There is even a 'kiss experience' :-) I was on my own, but surrounded by teenagers who loved the expereince, also as they had do perform little experiments and tasks. Then a biology student told us, in fluent English, how they run the museum, its labs and how they keep the small world alive. It was wonderful.
Fun for all ages
On returning home, the customs agent asked our son what his favorite thing in Amsterdam was and he said this place. It far exceeded our expectations. It was very educational in a fun way (unless you are a germaphobe!) It was fun to see leaf cutter ants in action, too! I loved the glass art microbes on the first floor. Fun for all ages.
Discover the hidden world of microbes at micropia
Micropia in Amsterdam is a truly fascinating museum dedicated to the world of microbes. You get the unique opportunity to see live microbes under a microscope, which is both educational and mesmerizing. The museum also features a lab where you can learn more about the science behind these tiny organisms. One of the highlights is the "Microbe of the Week," where researchers give a short and engaging presentation about a specific microbe, making the experience even more interactive and fun. It’s a must-visit for anyone curious about the unseen world around us!
Wonderful concept and beautifully presented
Nothing like anything I've seen before! Almost everything in the museum is interactive. It's very fun and interesting for both kids and adults (no matter if you have a specific interest in the field or not). The exhibit is very diverse, and it doesn't get boring. We spent about two hours inside.
A zoo for microbes!
Great attraction, suitable for adults, teens and young kids with interactive exhibits and tons of microbes to learn more about. You can scan your body, analyse a kiss, and study life under a microscope. Everyone working there was super friendly and happy to help too. A fun and unique experience.
Well worth visiting. Probably highlight of the trip for my teen
Smallish but super interesting. Right next to zoo. My teen especially likes tardigrades, and there was lots to look at; we were there for about 2 hours. Good interactive exhibits.
Very interesting museum!
We visited this on our first full day in Amsterdam. There are so many interesting exhibits to look at and the interactive exhibits really add to the experience (as well as being able to collect stamps as you go round!). We have recommended this to friends and family too!
Interactive and interesting museum
Great museum! Very interesting content displayed in an interactive and visually pleasing way. You could see live microbes under microscopes that you could operate yourself. A fun afternoon out for adults and kids alike!
great museum
as a microbiology student, this place was amazing!! i could have spent all day here. absolutely attend one of the daily talks if you can, it was fascinating. there is a ton of information and unusual microbes, plus rate opportunities to look down microscopes at microbes such as unusual algae - something i particularly enjoyed! even if you aren't particularly interested in micro you will still enjoy an hour or more visiting here. :)
Educational Museum
This is a very interesting and educational museum about the origin of bacteria and fungi. Everything is explained very descriptive. It has plenty top try out - not only perfect for children.
Good visit, worth a look.
Daughter was excited to visit this museum, and she loved it. Very informative, not huge but had lots to look at. Adults enjoyed it too. Only downside was the ticket doesn’t allow you access to the gift shop. Daughter wanted an Artis de Partis toy, and we weren’t allowed in to the shop to purchase one. We travelled to the station to purchase, which was a bit of a trek, so that was annoying.
Unique museum experience
Def a great alternative to the typical art museums when visiting the city. Super interesting and informative experience and great for all ages. The nerd in me loved every moment. I would highly recommend. Also next to the zoo and can combine tix for a small discount.
Disgustingly fab!
Who knew gross little microbes could be so fascinating? Lots of interesting exhibits & displays full of interesting facts and info. The body scan is particularly disturbing! For all ages but young ones will really enjoy it. Good fun.
Let your inner science Geek explore
This place was amazing. My science nerd of a husband really wanted to go. I have to say I am glad we did. All of the interactive exhibits are well done, educational and entertaining. We were there for almost three hours, the time just flew. I guess my inner science nerd was allowed to shine.
Unique Museum
A wonderfully designed museum with a real sense of humor; it kept family and friends engaged for 1-2 hours.
Très bel endroit !
Superbe expérience dans ce musée qui est très instructif. Nous avons clairement appris des choses et la visite se fait bien en 1h30.
Original museo único en el mundo
Único en el mundo ,excelente visita, merece la pena No es caro para lo que se ofrece 17 euros entrada por persona. Excelente para visitar en familia ,los niños disfrutaran. Mucha parte interactiva.
Leuk museum
Super fijn museum, niet te druk waardoor we alles op ons gemakje konden bekijken. Het is heel leerrijk en interactief: je kan alle microben onder de microscoop bekijken en stempels verzamelen.
Et besøg værd
Har en datter som går op i emnet. Var lidt skeptisk på hvad jeg ville synes. Blev meget positivt overrasket. Spændende på en interaktiv måde. En stor anbefaling.
Super spændende og interaktivt museum.
Virkelig godt og spændende museum! Meget god og lærerig viden om diverse mikrobakterier, formidlet på en utrolig god måde. Man var med hele vejen igennem, og selv en der ikke interesserer sig specielt for emnet, kan være med. Kan helt klart anbefales til alle.
Découvrir l’infiniment petit...
Super expérience dans ce musée original qui nous fait découvrir ce que nos yeux ne peuvent voir sans microscope... Très bien fait, à la fois scientifique et ludique, nous avons beaucoup aimé!
Well worth visiting. Probably highlight of the trip for my teen
Smallish but super interesting. Right next to zoo. My teen especially likes tardigrades, and there was lots to look at; we were there for about 2 hours. Good interactive exhibits.
Well worth visiting. Probably highlight of the trip for my teen
Smallish but super interesting. Right next to zoo. My teen especially likes tardigrades, and there was lots to look at; we were there for about 2 hours. Good interactive exhibits.
Fortement recommandé
Vraiment impressionnant et éducatif, autant pour les enfants que les adultes. Le personnel est très gentil et passionné.
Zoo der etwas anderen Art
Sehr schöner Zoo der etwas anderen Art. An viele Stationen lässt sich mikrobilologisches Leben live beobachten. Ergänzt werden sie Stationen mit informativen Filmen in mehreren Sprache. Der Zoo erstreckt sich über zwei Etagen, dadurch ist er räumlich sehr klein aber mit hohem Informationsgehalt.
Verruiming van je wereld.
Leuk museum, dat laat zien hoe de "kleine natuur" om ons heen belangrijk is voor ons bestaan, maar ook ziekten kan veroorzaken. Zowel voor kinderen als volwassenen leuk. En men leert alles om zich heen te waarderen. Het enige minpunt is, dat er bij het naar binnengaan wordt aangegeven dat er op vastgestelde tijden ( die kenbaar worden gemaakt ) een laborant komt, die ook nog van alles kan zien, en waar je vragen aan kan stellen. Wel: deze laborant komt dus NIET....
Sitio increïble para ir a visitar si te gusta el mundo de la microbiologia o tienes curiosidad por el mundo microscopico
Espacio amplio, muy limpio, muy bien decorado. Hay taquillas para dejar tus cosas antes de entrar y la experiencia muy bonita, sin duda volveria!
Unglaublich
Das einzige Mikrobenmuseum der Welt. In der Beschreibung steht, man besichtigt es in ca. 90 Minuten. Ich habe mehr als drei Stunden hier verbracht und mich nicht gelangweilt. Einfach toll gemacht und man erfährt auch als totaler Laie, der ich war, viel Spannendes beim Einblick in die Welt der Mikroben
Aanschouwelijke en leuke tentoonstelling
Vandaag een bezoek gebracht aan Micropia. De tentoonstelling is zeer aanschouwelijk en gestructureerd opgesteld. De informatie is duidelijk en eenvoudig geformuleerd om het te begrijpen. Het feit dat je doorheen de tentoonstelling stempels kan verzamelen om je eigen 'microscopisch beeld' is een leuke meerwaarde. We hebben er ongeveer een klein uurtje gespendeerd.
Tolles Konzept um Wissenschaft zu vermitteln
So ganz anders im Vergleich zu den verschiedenen Kunstmuseen in Amsterdam; hier wird Wissen auf eine sehr schöne und originelle Weise vermittelt über die kleinsten Lebewesen.
Expo sympa
L’expérience est très chouette et ludique, pour les adultes et les enfants. Le personnel est super accueillant. Je recommande.
Super musée
Super musée! Ça change de ce qu’on peut voir. Super intéressant les bactéries et microbes etc. À faire sans hésiter !!!! Se fait assez rapidement, en 1h à 1h30. Vestiaires gratuits à l’entrée
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Wow!! In Micropia gaat er letterlijk een nieuwe wereld voor je open. Wat kunnen microben prachtig zijn. Echt een aanrader💕
Génial ! À faire
On a adoré ! De la montée par l’ascenseur à la sortie tout était génial et très bien présenté ! Très ludique, on a en plus pu participer à l’explication d’une personne du musée / labo. Vestiaire gratuit et prix du ticket (35€ pour deux) finalement bien rentabilisé car nous y avons passé un peu plus de 2h ! Seul regret de ne pas avoir pris un billet combiné pour faire le zoo
La biologie pour tous !
J'ai beaucoup apprécié passer du temps dans ce musée qui m'a rappelé mes années de fac. A l'étage on y découvre la microbiologie, avec des interactions entre les êtres vivants, des cultures cellulaires, une belle collection de microorganismes en Pétri. Le rez-de-chaussée est plutôt orienté biotechnologies (fermentation, biocarburants..). Les expositions sont très ludiques, et conviennent totalement à ceux qui ne sont pas du domaine, au contraire, c'est l'assurance d'apprendre plein de chose ! Un monsieur est même présent pour donner des explications supplémentaires. Toutefois, je le trouve moins adapté aux jeunes enfants.
Leuk museum
Ontzettend leuk dat er nu ook een dierentuin is die aandacht heeft bacteriën en schimmels. Het is mooi opgezet en ingericht. Het enige minpuntje is dat als het een beetje druk is, zoals afgelopen zaterdag, dat je staat te wachten om door een microscoop te kunnen kijken.
Excellent !
Il n'était pas prévu dans le planning et puis on avait un peu de temps, il était inclus dans notre pass... Et on n'a pas été déçues bien au contraire ! Ce musée est vraiment incroyable ! Une réelle expérience immersive, des tas d'infos géniales ! C'est tout ce monde qui vit avec nous que l'on ne voit pas, parfois fascinant, parfois répugnant ! Mais tellement captivant ! Allez-y sans hésiter ! (Pas de français par contre c'est mieux si vous comprenez l'anglais) Il y a aussi un jeu pour les enfants (ou grands enfants!) de collecte des microbes ;)
Un mundo microscópico a simple vista
Fantástico museo para aprender sobre el mundo microscópico, para adultos y pequeños. Sobre todo para los pequeños puede ser una gran experiencia que les introduzca un poco más en la ciencia y el conocimiento de nuestro mundo. Muy interpretativo y textos sencillos, aunque estén en inglés lo entenderán perfectamente.
Una hermosa experiencia
Soy microbióloga y la forma en la que presentan los microorganismos en este lugar, es hermosa! Me encantó, disfrute cada microorganismo, cada explicación. Quizá sería mejor si hubiese alguien que estuviese pendiente cuando hay personas con dudas. Por mi parte me puse a explicarle a algunas personas qué es lo que veían y la pasé genial jeje
Interessante ma migliorabile
Idea interessante, andando verso le 15 non era affollato, inserirei del personale all'interno per qualche delucidazione. Prezzo forse un po' caro, premio però l'originalità. È vicino allo zoo e ad un ampio spazio all'aperto con tavoli e sedie
Intressant och ovanligt
Interaktivt museum med ovanligt fokus (mikroorganismer). Lite för mycket folk under besöket gjorde det svårt att testa allt, men på det hela taget välorganiserat och med tydlig besöksordning. Lagom med skyltar och intryck.
imponerend mooi en interessant
dit museum zou iedereen een keer moeten bezoeken al is het alleen al om te ervaren hoe prachtig het is ingericht
Fascinerende; illustrativ og interaktiv
Fascinerende udstilling, der både er illustrativ og interaktiv. Det er måske ikke det oplagte for en mikrobiolog, men andre med interesse i biologi, kan passende besøge stedet. Både for voksne og for børn.
Veel te vertellen over zoiets kleins
Mega interessant dat er zoveel te vertellen is over microben die zo klein zijn dat je ze niet eens met het blote oog kan zien. Ook een leuk mini college over de voortplanting van algen.
Spannend und informativ
Spannend und informativ. Es war sehr interessant einige Mikroben selber durch ein professionelles Mikroskop anzusehen. Die Themengestaltung war vielfältig und wurde der Breite des Themas gerecht. Die Beiträge waren sind für alle Levels von Vorwissen verständlich und interessant und bei Fragen war immer jemand vom Museum zu finden der diese beantworten konnte. Mein Highlight waren die Leuchtbakterien und Fische
Spannende Microwelten
Dieses Museum hat uns sehr gut gefallen. Die Welt der Mikroorganismen wird hier sehr anschaulich und leicjht verständlich gezeigt. An jeder Station kann man selbst etwas entdecken oder bedienen. Zusätzlich kann man in einem Stempelheft bei dem Rundgang 30 Microorganismen sammeln.
Having doubts? You can reschedule this booking up to 48 hours in advance for free.
