With the arrival of the museum, Naturalis returns to Amsterdam in a sense. In fact, the current museum originated in part from the former Zoological Museum Amsterdam, which merged with Naturalis in 2010. Now the capital is once again getting a place where nature, science and wonder come together - right in the middle of the business heart of the city.
The new location in the Zuidas will be deliberately low-threshold. Unlike in Leiden, there will be no research branch, but rather an open meeting place where visitors are free to walk in for exhibitions, lectures, presentations and guided tours. In addition to permanent objects from the impressive Naturaliscollection, there will also be changing themed exhibitions that respond to current topics around biodiversity, climate and nature conservation.
That precisely the Zuidas was chosen is no coincidence, according to director Marcel Beukeboom. “With this branch we can tell our story on the Zuidas. In this way we reach new target groups and bring our knowledge about biodiversity closer to the business community.” A striking but logical step, because between the glass towers, law firms and international companies, more and more space is emerging for culture, experience and public meeting places.
“Between the glass towers of the Zuidas, Naturalis will soon bring a piece of prehistoric times to life.”
The arrival of Naturalis is also part of a broader development in which the Zuidas is transforming from a pure business district to a lively city district where living, working and leisure come together. The combination of architecture, innovation and science gives the area another surprising face.
For families, curious Amsterdammers and lovers of natural history, this will undoubtedly be one of the most special new openings of the year. After all, how often do you get the chance to suddenly find yourself facing a T-Rex during your lunch break?