Micropia

Micropia is the first museum in the world dedicated to microscopically small life. Microbes are everywhere around us, yet the best-known examples, such as bacteria and viruses, are commonly associated with nastiness, disease and illness. That’s why one of Micropia’s main aims is to establish a more positive view of microorganisms – including their role in daily life and how they can be utilised to improve our future. This modern museum perfectly caters to audiences with enquiring, scientific minds, as well as providing a fun introduction to this fascinating subject for kids in Amsterdam (and their parents).

Visit Micropia to discover a positive view of microbes that will convert even the biggest germophobe.
In 2016 Micropia was awarded a DASA Award for the most innovative museum by the European Museum Academy.
Book a combi ticket for Micropia and Artis Royal Zoo to enjoy both with a fantastic discount.

Address:: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
1018CZ Amsterdam
Visit the website Show place on Google Maps

Learn everything about microbes in Micropia

It’s only fitting that Micropia, the world’s very first museum dedicated to microbes, launched in Amsterdam. After all, it was here in 1674 that Dutchman Antoni van Leeuwenhoek – the founding father of microbiology – became the first person to discover microorganisms. Situated right next to Artis Royal Zoo, Micropia opened in 2014 with the core goal of filling the knowledge gap between the scientific community and the general public. In doing so, it ignites inspiration in young and old, showing visitors the positive relationships between themselves and microbes, and changing the minds of even the staunchest germophobes. This ensures every visitor – from children with no knowledge of microbes to the most-clued-up experts – can get exactly what they want from the museum. And after a visit to Micropia you’ll certainly see yourself and the world in a whole new light.

Discover biotechnology in everyday life

Explore Micropia’s rich collection of exhibitions and interactive elements to uncover the increasing role of biotechnology in daily life, from its uses in medicine and biofuel to food and drink. See how nomads from millennia ago used enzymes to make cheese and how bacteria are the ultimate recyclers. You can even scan yourself to find out about your own faithful microbes, from your head to your toes. There’s a whole lot to learn about your body and the world around you throughout Micropia, which is why the museum won the European Museum Academy’s prestigious 2016 DASA Award for most innovative museum.

A modern museum in a historic neighbourhood

Micropia is situated within the Ledenlokalen, an iconic Amsterdam monument next to Artis Royal Zoo in the green and spacious Plantage neighbourhood. Dating from 1870, it was beautifully restored and upgraded prior to the opening of Micropia, ensuring it’s the perfect location for such a modern museum. Directly outside its front door is Artisplein, a delightful and peaceful public square in which to congregate, stop for a coffee or snack on the terrace, and to move between Artis and Micropia.

In the neighbourhood

Other major Amsterdam attractions in the area or just a short distance away include museums such as the Hermitage, the Jewish Historical Museum, Tropenmuseum and the National Maritime Museum, while the Royal Theatre Carré and the Hortus Botanicus are just around the corner too.

Accessiblity

Micropia is accessible for wheelchair users. The museum has a toilet and lift for disabled visitors.

See more and save

Book a discounted combi ticket for Artis Royal Zoo and Micropia to experience the best of the natural world – both big and small.

Editor's pick: Complete your view of the natural world with a trip to Artis Royal Zoo, right next to Micropia; you can purchase a joint ticket for both, saving on the regular admission prices.

Did you find this interesting? Discover more

Museums

The Netherlands boasts the largest number of museums per square kilometre in the world!