Hatching house a place full of stories
The Hatching house, formerly known as the Verkade House, was built in 1939 as part of the Netherlands' first petting zoo at ARTIS Zoo. This was possible thanks to a contribution of 5,000 guilders from the well-known bread and rusk manufacturer Verkade.
In the early 20th century, Verkade started publishing collectible albums, in which customers could collect pictures. Many of these albums focused on nature and encouraged interest in flora and fauna.
From then to now
- former name
- Verkadehuisje, 't Polderhuisje
- present name
- Broedhuis
- built in
- 1939
- designed by
- W.B. Ouëndag (1899-1967)
- then
- selling Verkade products, part of the petting zoo, selling poffertjes, incubator house
- now
- hatching house
The Verkade albums
Some of these albums were written by A.F.J. Portielje (1886-1965), an employee of ARTIS. Among the albums he wrote were Dierenleven in Artis (1938) and Apen en hoefdieren in Artis (1939). The last album he wrote, Birds in Artis, was not published until 1988, on the occasion of ARTIS's 150th anniversary. Originally scheduled for publication in 1940, it was postponed due to World War II. The Verkade albums made an important contribution to the reputation of ARTIS Zoo as an institute for accessible nature education.
The petting zoo
In the 1930s, ARTIS Zoo was struggling due to the economic crisis. Visitors stayed away and the zoo's future was uncertain. Thanks to support from the municipality, province and individuals, ARTIS was able to renew. The contribution from Verkade made the construction of the petting zoo possible. Architect Willem Bert Ouëndag (1899-1967), who designed several buildings at ARTIS, gave the petting zoo a unique style, inspired by farms from the Zaan region and Limburg. The petting zoo was a great success and was hailed as an educational place where children could discover rural life. The press spoke enthusiastically about the rural feel in the middle of Amsterdam.
Algemeen Handelsblad wrote on 01-08-1939 about ‘rural delights in the heart of Amsterdam (...) It is one richness of fresh, healthy and happy outdoor life. A true joy'.