Duivenhuis history and renovation
The Duivenhuis (Pigeon House) at ARTIS Zoo has had various functions over the years, from carrier pigeon house to incubator house. The national monument is now being brought back to life and transformed into a catering outlet with a terrace.
This building, older than ARTIS itself, is now undergoing a thorough restoration to revive its rich past.
From past to present
- built in
- c. 1730
- designed by
- unknown
- then
- ornamental and carrier pigeon house, incubator house, enclosure for manatee, ratites
- now
- catering facility and meeting room
'Agtkante houte coupeltje'
This house was built around 1730 along with an ‘agtkante houte coupeltje’ (octagonal wooden couplet) on Mr Costerus' property. The green walking area ‘Plantagie’ had more such garden domes, pavilions and country houses. The piece of land, the garden ‘Laanzigt’, was bought in 1852. According to an ARTIS plan from 1854, the building was then used as a storage shed. Between 1872 and 1875, it was converted into the Duivenhuis, where ornamental and carrier pigeons could be seen.
Multiple functions
The Duivenhuis has had many different functions. Racing pigeons flew in and out, and chicks hatched here. Other animals were also kept in an annex. From 1928 to 1943 it was the home of ARTIS' first manatee, and later ratites such as emu and helmeted cassowaries were kept there. From 1914 to 1972, the Duivenhuis was a Brooding Machine House, where visitors could watch birds hatch.
Restoration and renovation
In 2024-2025, the Duivenhuis will be restored and converted into a catering outlet, with a terrace and a view of the playground at the Moeflon stable. This will make this historic building a special place to relax for a while.
