In this blog, I want to introduce two museums located on the east side of Amsterdam's city center: ARTIS-Micropia and ARTIS-Groote Museum. They are very close to each other, just a few minutes' walk apart, and they offer different styles of exhibits. The suggested visit time is around one to two hours for each. If you have a museum card, you can visit them for free!
• ARTIS-Micropia
This museum is not large in size, but it is rich in content. It focuses on microorganisms and features various installations, large and small. If you are interested in microorganisms, you must not miss this museum! (It is said to be the world's first museum dedicated to microorganisms.)
Using microscopes, you can observe various microorganisms in different shapes and forms up close! There are also various models on display, such as DNA and an ant farm (with real ants living and working inside!). Additionally, there are interactive installations like "Scan Yourself", where you can discover the microorganisms living on different parts of your body, and "KISS-0-METER", which shows how many microorganisms are exchanged in a kiss. The museum also has a laboratory where you can see researchers at work.
One section showcases the microorganisms present on everyday items, such as mobile phones. Microorganisms are always around us, but we usually cannot see them with the naked eye. Through the Micropia, we can learn about the fascinating world of microorganisms.
P.S. There is also a surprise on the elevator ceiling, so be sure to check it out!
• ARTIS-Groote Museum
Unlike Micropia, this one mainly showcases natural sciences, focusing on animals (including humans) and plants. The first thing you see upon entering the museum is a giant question mark, symbolizing that human understanding of natural sciences is inseparable from inquiry and exploration.
On the ground floor, there are large models of the human body and various animal skeletons, such as dolphins. The museum also features many interesting interactive devices, such as an immersive experience of different smells that can "transport" you to different places and evoke memories. Another example is a sound installation called "Amsterdam On and Off", which can simultaneously make various sounds like street noise, airplanes, luggage, and bikes. You can adjust the volume of each sound to create a completely unique auditory experience.
Screens throughout the museum convey a lot of information and fun facts, such as the first traffic jam in the world occurring in 1955. There is also an area displaying robotic arms, exploring the relationship between technology and humanity. Next to the stairs, there are many burgundy cushions where you can sit and chat with friends if you get tired from walking around.
P.S. There is a zoo next to the museum where you might get a chance to see flamingos!
Best,
Xinyue
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