The temporary exhibition Animals of the Canals explores the hidden fauna of the historic belt. The premise is simple: look closely, and you'll see an ecosystem that moves with the city. With animals set up, close-up displays and an accessible audio tour, that city life comes to life - educationally and playfully.
Visitors discover how species adapt: coots integrating trash into their nests, mussels filtering water, swallows hunting above the water. The expo connects ecology to design: how wharves, bridges and gardens provide resting places and food, and how residents help biodiversity with small interventions. For families, it's a rewarding walk-in; for lovers of urban nature, a feast of recognition.
The exhibition fits the DNA of the Canal Museum: the canal as a living system, not a postcard. By mixing art and stories with science, the Animals of the Canals see that heritage and ecology reinforce each other. This feels topical: the city changes, and the canal changes with it - with species coming, going or thriving.
"As soon as you look differently, you see a whole city moving - even under the water surface."
Practicality is clear: the expo at Herengracht 386 is on view through Nov. 23. The museum website and calendars report starts around July 10/11; those who want to be sure of time slots book in advance. Ideal as a compact break in the city center, or as the starting point of a longer walking tour along water, bridges and courtyard gardens.