To truly understand the natural world, you've got to understand the smallest and most successful organisms: microbes. Tiny, powerful and invisible to the human eye, microbes are absolutely fascinating. Especially when presented like this.

ARTIS-Micropia is the world's first microbe museum, and by making these invisible creatures visible, it shows the interconnectedness of all things, and gives some surprising insights into the way the world works.

Discover all the different ways that our lives, and the planet as a whole, interact with and are influenced by these unseen creatures.

When thought of at all, the common perception is that microbes make people sick. But that's just a small part of the story. Microbiology can offer solutions to global problems, including water purification and cures to infectious diseases. Microbes can produce energy, food and bio-plastics. By understanding microbes we can create new uses for them.

This year, ARTIS-Micropia marks its 10th anniversary with special exhibitions and activities. From September 30, 2024, to February 17, 2025, visit the ARTIS-Micropia Art & Design Award exhibition. You'll find four bio-artworks that blend art, science, and nature. During the Christmas holidays, kids can join a workshop to make their own microbe cuddly toy.

Getting There:

Tram 14 stops at the ARTIS, close to the main entrance. Tram 7 and 19 stop at Alexanderplein, a ten-minute walk from the main entrance. The nearest metro station is Waterlooplein, it is a ten-minute walk to ARTIS-Micropia.