The restoration of the ARTIS Aquarium
Bringing history and the future together
After almost 140 years of salt water, the building was badly damaged. Only a large-scale restoration could preserve this monument for the future.
Restoring what was hidden
During the restoration, the historic building was brought back to its original state as much as possible. Old colours, ornaments and sightlines were researched and restored. Later additions, such as layers of paint and lowered ceilings, were removed.
The façades were also carefully cleaned and restored. Where new natural stone was needed, stone from the same quarries as in the past was used.
As a result, much more of the monument is now visible. In the past, visitors only saw part of the building. Now, about 90 percent can be seen. Spaces that were hidden for years have also become part of the route. One example is the catacombs, with the old water filter system.
Ready for modern animal care
The building was not the only part that was restored. The aquariums themselves were also renewed. They are larger, deeper and rebuilt from the ground up. Behind the scenes, the technology was improved. This means water quality, animal care and animal welfare now better reflect today’s knowledge. In this way, the Aquarium remains a historic building, with modern care for the animals.
The restoration made it possible to make the Aquarium more sustainable
This fits ARTIS’ ambition to be climate positive by 2030.
Restored sustainably
The monumental Lloyd water filter system was preserved and combined with modern, energy-efficient installations. The building now has insulating glass, low-temperature underfloor heating and 118 solar panels on the roof. The Aquarium has also been prepared for aquathermal energy. This is a technique that uses heat from water to warm a building. In the future, this can help heat the Aquarium without fossil fuels.
Heritage for the future
In January 2025, ARTIS was officially recognised as a Professional Organisation for Monument Conservation. The restoration of the Aquarium played an important role in this.
Thanks to the restoration, a special monument has been preserved. And the Aquarium has new meaning: as a place where nature, technology, heritage and the future come together.