The monumental ARTIS Aquarium in Amsterdam has officially reopened its doors after a large-scale renovation. Design agency Kossmanndejong transformed the building into ‘The New Aquarium’ in close collaboration with ARTIS. Here, historic architecture, the living exhibits, art, and education blend into one harmonious whole, with water as the shining centerpiece.
A place of transformation for the city
“After Micropia and the Groote Museum, it was a huge honor to transform this unique 19th-century temple of science and water,” says Michel de Vaan, designer at Kossmanndejong. “But it was also a massive responsibility. The aquarium is deeply rooted in the collective memory of Amsterdammers. We wanted to return this beloved place to the city in a beautiful new form.”
The common thread: water is life
The spatial concept is based on a universal truth: water inextricably connects all life on Earth. We wanted to make this connection tangible and experiential. To achieve this, we designed a layered route that alternates living habitats with interactive installations and art. The route is a journey through different themes. For example, you enter the deep sea where you can build your own submarine and go on an exploration. At the well-known display of the Amsterdam canals, visitors discover that nature close to home is just as miraculous.
From wonder to action
The New Aquarium does not just want to spark wonder, but also to inspire action. Therefore, major ecological challenges are translated into striking spatial metaphors and thought-provoking dilemmas. In the exhibition, visitors are surrounded by 4,000 bottles of water. These symbolise our hidden, daily water consumption. Further along the route, an interactive game about fishing challenges the audience to think about sustainable choices.
Kossmanndejong seamlessly blends science, art, and AV media, anything to bring the stories to life. Custom-made art installations are part of that too, such as those of Zoro Feigl and Marshmallow Laser Feast. All to let you dive deep into the story of water and to resurface with a new perspective.
Photography: Jeunique Photography, Kirsten van Santen
