Micropia: Amsterdam's microbe museum, tickets, opening hours and visit time

Updated on October 8, 2026

Micropia, at Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, is presented by ARTIS as the first museum in the world devoted to microbes. Right opposite Artis zoo in the Plantage district, it shows living microorganisms under the microscope, giant models of viruses and interactive installations that explain what lives on and inside our bodies. It is open every day from 10am to 5pm; an adult ticket (age 13 and over) costs €17 online and €18 at the desk, and children up to 12 get in free. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for the visit. Tickets are booked online with a time slot, which saves queuing at busy times.

Highlights

Living microbes under the microscope

About forty living species (bacteria, fungi, algae and other microorganisms) can be viewed in 3D viewers designed for the museum: you can watch them move, feed and multiply. The wall of brightly coloured Petri dishes gives an idea of their diversity.

The galleries and the human body

The dark route, lit by the display cases, shows where microbes live: on the skin, in the gut, in food. Among the interactive installations, the Kiss-o-meter measures the microbes exchanged during a kiss, and the body scan reveals your microbiome.

The panoramic screens

Immersive projections present the extreme environments where microorganisms survive. The museum also offers a "microbe of the month" and lab presentations (Lab Talks), announced at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30.

Practical info

Tips

Prices seen in October 2026 on the ARTIS website: adult €17 online (€18 at the desk), students €10.50, free for ages 0 to 12. Entry is free with the Museumkaart; the ticket office also lists free entry with the I amsterdam City Card (check before your visit). ARTIS announces a €9 weekday ticket from 16:00, since September. A combined ticket with the zoo is available from €35.50 online for an adult: see the ARTIS page. The museum suits children from about 8 years old. To plan your day, see the guide to the Plantage district and our selection of the best museums in Amsterdam.

How to get there

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, opposite the entrance to Artis zoo. Tram 9 or 14 to the Plantage Kerklaan stop, in front of the museum. On foot, allow about 20 minutes from Central Station, or 10 minutes from Waterlooplein.