Small Mammals House

The Small Mammals House (Павильон мелких млекопитающих) is a unique historical space located within the famous Artis Zoo in Amsterdam. The building is part of the valuable architectural heritage of the Netherlands and is one of 27 protected monuments in the country's oldest zoo.

Small Mammals House. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This specialized pavilion is designed to create conditions for its inhabitants that are as close as possible to their natural environment. Here, you can see a variety of small animals whose lives are full of amazing details often unnoticed in the wild. The structure is a fine example of how 19th-century historical architecture is adapted to modern zoological requirements.

A visit to the pavilion offers the opportunity not only to observe the animals but also to appreciate the scale of the oldest zoo, founded in 1838. This is a place where science, history, and nature meet, offering city guests a fascinating and educational journey into the world of fauna.

To plan your visit and check exhibit details, you can use the official Artis Zoo communication channels. Below is the essential contact information to help you find the site and reach the administration.

In the Small Mammals House, visitors can spend time observing the behaviors of primates, sloths, and other small inhabitants of our planet. The exhibits are arranged so that guests can see the animals almost at arm's length, immersing themselves in their daily lives and social interactions.

For those who value knowledge, the pavilion offers detailed educational materials. Information stands tell about behavioral traits, diets, and natural habitats of the featured species, making the walk beneficial for broadening the horizons of both children and adults.

Besides the pavilion itself, it is definitely worth exploring other parts of Artis Zoo. You can visit the grand aquarium, take a virtual journey through the stars in the planetarium, or study the invisible world of microbes in the Micropia museum. A stroll through the zoo grounds, which also serves as an arboretum, will provide many pleasant impressions from the beauty of rare trees and plants.

The Small Mammals House is located in the historic Plantage district, which is within walking distance of central Amsterdam. The walk to the zoo itself can be a pleasant tourist route thanks to the picturesque canals and old architecture of this area.

For those who prefer public transport, it is most convenient to use trams or buses that stop in the immediate vicinity of the Artis entrance. If you are coming from the Central Station, the tram ride takes very little time. You can also use a taxi or car-sharing services, though it is worth remembering that traffic in the city center can be heavy.

If you plan to arrive by your own or a rented car, keep in mind that the zoo has its own parking lot, but the number of spaces is limited. Alternatively, you can consider paid city parking in the surrounding area, although using public transport in this district is often a more convenient and economical option.

Artis Zoo itself, which includes the Small Mammals House, was founded back in 1838 by three enthusiasts — Gerardus Westerman, J.W.H. Werlemann, and J.J. Wijsmuller. Initially, it was a private society for zoology lovers, and only from 1851 did the park begin to open its doors to the general public in September.

The pavilion building is part of a unique architectural complex of 27 protected historic structures. In the 20th century, the zoo underwent a significant transformation: from classic cages to modern enclosures that mimic natural landscapes with artificial rocks and ponds. This allowed the historical appearance of the buildings to be preserved while ensuring comfortable conditions for the animals.

Interestingly, Artis is constantly evolving, complementing its classic exhibits with innovative projects. For instance, the Planetarium opened here in 1988, and in 2014, the world's first museum of microorganisms, Micropia, was established. The Small Mammals House remains an important link in this continuity, demonstrating how respect for history is combined with modern scientific achievements.

For a thoughtful tour of the Small Mammals House and to observe its inhabitants, most visitors require 1 to 2 hours. This time is quite sufficient to read the information boards and see the animals during their active periods.

However, we recommend keeping in mind that the pavilion is only a small part of the vast Artis complex. To fully enjoy the aquarium, planetarium, museums, and botanical garden, it is better to set aside 4 to 6 hours or plan a whole weekend day for your zoo visit.

Artis Zoo and its pavilions are open daily, making it easy to include this site in any travel itinerary around Amsterdam. The schedule remains the same throughout the week, including weekends and holidays.

The doors of the Small Mammals House are open to guests from 09:00 to 17:00. This consistent schedule allows you to plan your visit for either the morning hours or the afternoon.

The area around Artis Zoo is perfect for continuing your walk after meeting the animals. Exploring these picturesque surroundings will allow you to see a calmer and greener side of Amsterdam.

In the immediate vicinity and within a few minutes' drive are interesting playgrounds, theme parks, and cultural sites that will make your day even more fulfilling: