Three ponds with bridges green heritage

The three ponds and two bridges in ARTIS make up a national monument. They are left over from the Nieuwe Prinsengracht, which used to divide the park in two.

The ferry across Prinsengracht transported visitors through ARTIS until the canal was closed in 1866 and the three ponds and bridges were created.

Ferry across the Prinsengracht

For the first 30 years of ARTIS, the Nieuwe Prinsengracht ran through the park. Ships regularly passed through ARTIS, forcing visitors to take a ferry to the other side. This made it difficult to keep unwanted visitors out, leading to the desire to close the waterway.

From canal to ponds

In 1862, the city council agreed to close off the Prinsengracht. ARTIS paid for the diversion of the canal, and in 1866 boats were diverted via the Muidergracht. The three ponds and bridges were given their current shape, designed by architect G.B. Salm.

From past to present

present name
Three ponds with bridges
old name
ARTIS pond, ‘t Veentje, the Bird Pool
built in
1866
designed by
G.B. Salm
then
Nieuwe Prinsengracht, ponds with water birds
now
ponds including herons, quacks, cormorants, pink pelicans, Chilean flamingos. islands with red-faced spider monkey and buffed-cheeked gibbon.

‘t Veentje

In 1911, the Reptile House was built next to the northern pond. Then the Bird Pool, also known as ‘t Veentje, was also constructed at this pond. This project brought native plants and animals to ARTIS. ‘t Veentje became a copy of the Naardermeer, where the Netherlands’ first nature reserve was protected by the Vereniging Natuurmonumenten, founded in ARTIS.

Restoration and change

In 2019, the northern pond and bridges were restored. A pavilion was built for thered-faced spider monkeys, and the island they were given ended ‘t Veentje as a symbol of Dutch nature. Nevertheless, the area remains a place for urban wildlife such as herons and cormorants.