Music Kiosk cultural meeting place
In the nineteenth century, ARTIS was an important cultural centre in Amsterdam, where musical performances regularly took place. During the Summer Nights, musical sounds once again resound through the park, just as they did then.
At a time when the Concertgebouw did not exist, ARTIS was the main venue in Amsterdam to attend musical performances.
Musical meeting place
Citizens of Amsterdam became members of the society Natura Artis Magistra not only because of an interest in nature, but also to meet each other in pleasant and enjoyable surroundings. In 1850, a Music Kiosk was put into use, opposite the Main Building, on the spot where the Dutch Polder is now located. At least weekly concerts took place here until 1936; the Kiosk was a popular spot for music lovers. Unfortunately, it was scrapped in 1941.
Historic return
Today, there is another music kiosk at ARTIS. This kiosk originally stood on Thorbeckeplein in Amsterdam and was donated to ARTIS. In this way, the park is bringing back an important piece of its history. The Music Kiosk now serves as a stage for ARTIS' Summer Nights, where visitors can enjoy music in an atmospheric setting.