The ARTIS Butterfly Pavilion

Step inside the ARTIS Butterfly Pavilion (Vlinderpaviljoen) and enter an enchanting equatorial rainforest where more than 1,000 exotic butterflies flutter freely around you. Covering hundreds of square meters of lush botanical glasshouses, it is the largest and most biodiverse butterfly sanctuary in the Netherlands.

The pavilion is landscaped with hundreds of fragrant tropical nectar plants, flowing waterfalls, and tranquil ponds filled with koi and aquatic turtles. As you stroll along the winding pathways, butterflies glide overhead, sip fruit nectar, or rest gently on broad jungle leaves.

Tickets & Admission: 100% Included with ARTIS Day Tickets

Visiting the Butterfly Pavilion is straightforward and completely hassle-free: no separate ticket is required. Entry is fully included in every standard ARTIS Royal Zoo day ticket.

[!TIP] Book Online to Save Time: Purchasing online saves approximately €3 per ticket compared to ticket booths at the gate and allows you to scan right through the express barcode turnstiles.

Extraordinary Butterfly Species to Spot

The pavilion showcases dozens of species from Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa:

• The Iridescent Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides): World-famous for its dazzling metallic blue wings that shimmer when flying. When closed, their brown underwings feature clever camouflage eyespots.
• The Giant Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas): One of the largest lepidopterans on the planet, with an astonishing wingspan reaching up to 25 to 30 centimeters.
• The Owl Butterfly (Caligo memnon): Renowned for large round markings resembling the watchful eyes of an owl, scaring off predatory birds.
• The Glasswing Butterfly (Greta oto): A marvel of nature with translucent wings that make it virtually invisible against forest foliage.

The Pupae Cabinet: Witnessing Metamorphosis

One of the most captivating educational highlights inside the pavilion is the emergence nursery:

1. Hundreds of Chrysalides: Hanging in neat rows behind temperature-controlled glass are dozens of chrysalis varieties—from metallic golden cocoons to jade-green shells.
2. Emergence in Action: If you observe patiently, you can watch adult butterflies push out of their pupal shells, pump fluids into their crumpled wings, and dry them before their very first flight.
3. Daily Releases: Zoo keepers regularly release newly unfurled butterflies into the warm greenhouse daily around midday.

Tips for the Best Visitor Experience

• Wear Bright Colors: Butterflies are naturally drawn to bright hues such as yellow, orange, red, and electric blue. Wear colorful clothing and you might become a butterfly landing perch!
• Lens Acclimatization: Moving from chilly Dutch outdoors into an 80% humidity greenhouse causes camera lenses and glasses to fog up instantly. Give your phone or camera lens 2 to 3 minutes to warm up.
• Look Down Carefully: Butterflies often feed on fruit trays on the floor or rest along paths. Please watch your footing.
• Accessibility: Smooth, level paved paths provide easy access for wheelchairs and strollers throughout the greenhouse.

Location in the Park & Getting Here

The Butterfly Pavilion is situated in the central-western sector of ARTIS, near the chimpanzees and historic botanical gardens.

• Public Transit: Tram 14 from Amsterdam Centraal to stop ARTIS. Metro lines 51, 53, and 54 stop at Waterlooplein (10 min walk).
• Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam.