Artis Zoo Transforms Historic Moeflonstal and Duivenhuis for Visitors in Amsterdam
Artis, the Royal Zoo in Amsterdam, is not only dedicated to its diverse collection of animals and plants but also actively preserves its rich historical heritage. Among the 26 national monuments located within its grounds, two significant structures – the Moeflonstal (Mouflon Stable) and the Duivenhuis (Pigeon House) – have recently undergone extensive restoration and been given new life with functions designed for human visitors.
A Playful Future for the Moeflonstal
Dating back to 1876, the Moeflonstal stands as one of Artis's oldest animal enclosures. Originally conceived to house various species of goats and sheep, including its namesake mouflon, the stable featured a classic layout with a central structure surrounded by pie-slice-shaped accommodations. However, its design proved unsuitable for modern animal care, failing to meet current health and safety standards for animal keepers.
Following its restoration, the Moeflonstal has been reimagined as an engaging play area for young children. The building's exterior has been meticulously returned to its original pink color, a detail uncovered through historical research, and its zinc roofing reconstructed based on archival findings. A new landscape seating edge now encircles the structure, echoing the original flower-like design of the animal beds and featuring imprints of mouflon hooves as a nod to its past residents. While children play, parents can relax nearby, perhaps enjoying a treat from the adjacent Duivenhuis. Visitors can discover more about the Moeflonstal's history and transformation on the Artis website.
Duivenhuis: A Historic Cafe Spot
Even older than Artis itself, the Duivenhuis was constructed around 1730 and boasts a remarkably varied history. Over the centuries, this house has served many purposes, from housing ornamental and homing pigeons to functioning as a hatchery, a stable for ratites, and even temporarily accommodating a polar bear. From 1928 to 1943, it was famously home to Artis's first manatee.
No longer suitable for animals and often overlooked by visitors, the Duivenhuis has been sensitively repurposed into a charming catering point. It now offers "planet-proof poffertjes" (small Dutch pancakes) to be enjoyed on a terrace beneath a historic pergola, surrounded by lush plants. The restoration efforts also focused on sustainability, with the building receiving insulation, being taken off gas, and incorporating a new green roof. Architect Thomas Buijs of ATELIERFRONT highlighted that this renovation has "given new life" to a previously unused part of the park, allowing the monument to regain its significance and offer visitors a sheltered spot to relax. Further details about the Duivenhuis's storied past and its renovation are available.
Protecting Amsterdam's Heritage at Artis
These revitalization projects were a collaborative effort involving architect Thomas Buijs and Marita Bijlsma from ATELIERFRONT, restoration architect Cor Bouwstra, and landscape architect Hank van Tilborg, with Jan van Schaik designing the play area. This commitment to preserving historical structures is a core aspect of Artis's mission, leading to its recognition earlier this year by the Minister of OC&W as a Professional Organisation for Monument Conservation (POM).
The transformation of the Moeflonstal and the Duivenhuis exemplifies Artis's dedication to blending its rich past with its vibrant present, offering new and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages while meticulously caring for its historic buildings. To explore more cultural spots and experiences in Amsterdam, visit Musemap (musemap.art), where you can browse museums or discover other unique locations on the interactive map.
