ARTIS-Library historic heritage building

This iconic 19th century building houses a unique collection of books and natural history treasures. A place that blends heritage with science.

The Library’s unique natural history collections have inspired researchers and enthusiasts for many years.

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Fauna Building and Japanese Museum

The ARTIS-Library was built between 1866 and 1872 and consists of three parts. The east wing, which still accommodates the library, was finished first. It was followed by the west wing, originally the Fauna Building with exhibits of specimens and shells, and the middle section, which housed a Japanese Museum with objects ranging from art to clothing.

A unique collection

The impressive book collection was established by ARTIS founder and director G.F. Westerman. The remarkable and unique collection contains many original copies of influential books and prints. The interior features specially designed furniture and artworks, making the space even more extraordinary. The collection is managed by the UvA, and researchers can make an appointment to access it.

From past to present

built in
1866-1872
designed by
G.B. and A. Salm
formerly
library, museum, stables for zebras and other equines, the World of Darkness nocturnal animal house
now
ARTIS-Library and office spaces

The very last quagga

Until 1920, the first floor of the library was used as a stable for zebras and horses. On 12 August 1883, a quagga died there. The mare had a nut-brown body and stripes on her neck and torso. She appeared to be the last of her species, a subspecies of the plains zebra. Her body was stuffed and became a unique specimen in the Naturalis collection. The former stable now houses the EAZA office.

Two iconic facades

Both facades of the ARTIS-Library are inscribed with the names of 36 scientists who were important to the natural sciences, from Aristotle to Alexander von Humboldt. The facade on the street side displays the names of scholars from antiquity and the 17th and 18th centuries, while the facade on the ARTIS side bears the names of 19th century scientists. The library has books by each of these scientists in its collection, which gave ARTIS a reputation early on as a modern, scientific institution.