Antwerp
Antwerp · Historic zoo

Visiting ZOO Antwerpen

Discover historic 19th-century architecture and wildlife conservation in the heart of Antwerp.

ScienceNature

Explore ZOO Antwerpen, a year-round animal park featuring a dedicated science program and seasonal spaces like the Summer Bar. Visitors can engage with wildlife conservation and discover the scientific research behind the zoo.

A historic animal park open 365 days a year, combining wildlife encounters with active scientific research.

ZOO Antwerpen
About ZOO Antwerpen: Wildlife and Science

Located in Antwerp, ZOO Antwerpen is a historic animal park that seamlessly blends wildlife encounters with active scientific research. Open 365 days a year, the venue allows visitors to observe diverse animal habitats while learning about conservation through its dedicated science platform. The park functions as both an educational hub and a relaxing urban oasis, complete with seasonal spaces.

The grand entrance gate to ZOO Antwerpen featuring two stone pillars topped with winged statues, large lion mosaics, and flags flying above the iron gates.
ZOO Antwerpen Ticket Options and Admission

Visiting ZOO Antwerpen in Antwerp requires a paid admission ticket, with several entry options tailored to different visitor profiles. While general admission is paid, young children up to two years old can enter the park for free. The historic zoo also provides dedicated ticket options for students, seniors, and organized groups, alongside annual membership opportunities.

Children (under 3)
Free

Ages 0 to 2

Adult Day Ticket
Price not listed

Prices vary by day; check the online calendar Save €3 by booking online at least one day in advance

Child Day Ticket
Price not listed

Prices vary by day; check the online calendar Save €2 by booking online at least one day in advance

Visitor Transport and Access

ZOO Antwerpen offers various travel options to ensure a smooth arrival for all visitors. The venue provides dedicated information for those arriving by bicycle or by car, and its proximity to the Central Station makes it easily accessible via public transport.

Buy your ticket

Available
Extra charge

By bike

Available

By car

Available

Public transport nearby

Available
Family visits at ZOO Antwerpen

ZOO Antwerpen welcomes families with options ranging from independent exploration to professional guided tours. The park features specific group discounts for larger parties and provides free admission for children under the age of 3. For those looking to enhance their experience, pre-booked tours offer an informative way to engage with the animal collection.

ZOO Antwerpen offers group visits for families and friends, featuring discounted rates for groups of 15 or more paying visitors. Guided tours can be booked in advance to enhance your park experience.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Free admission for children under 3 years old.
  • Group discounts available for parties of 15 or more paying visitors.
  • Professional guided tours can be booked for a fee.
  • Dynamic pricing system allows for planning visits based on specific dates.

Activities and resources for children

ZOO Antwerpen Location in Central Antwerp

ZOO Antwerpen is situated on Koningin Astridplein in Antwerp's Central Station neighborhood. This highly accessible location in the heart of the city makes the historic park an easy addition to any travel itinerary. Visitors can conveniently access the diverse wildlife exhibits, scientific research displays, and landscaped gardens right after arriving in the city.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Koningin Astridplein 26

2018 Antwerp

Central Station, Province of Antwerp, BE

Planning Your Visit to ZOO Antwerpen

Located in Antwerp near the Central Station neighborhood, ZOO Antwerpen is easily accessible for arriving visitors. To fully appreciate the historic nineteenth-century architecture and extensive animal collection, visitors should plan to dedicate several hours to their tour. Arriving early in the day helps you enjoy the landscaped gardens and family activities at a relaxed pace.

Planning Your Visit to ZOO Antwerpen

The ZOO Antwerpen Experience: Wildlife and Scientific Discovery

Located in Antwerp near the Central Station, ZOO Antwerpen offers an urban animal park experience that blends wildlife encounters with scientific discovery. Visitors can explore diverse habitats year-round, wandering through historic gardens to observe a vast animal collection. A core aspect of the visit is the dedicated science platform, which showcases active conservation and biological research conducted behind the scenes. This educational journey is balanced with leisure, featuring family activities and a seasonal summer terrace bar.

Taxidermied animal head with open mouth surrounded by blue morpho and brown butterflies in an artistic exhibition display

History and Architectural Heritage of ZOO Antwerpen

Established in 1843, ZOO Antwerpen is the **oldest animal park in Belgium**. Located in Antwerp, the venue integrated early science when its museum opened in 1844, followed by the mid-19th-century construction of an Egyptian temple and an antelope building. The zoology hall even hosted wrestling and boxing during the 1920 Summer Olympics. Reflecting both post-war modernization and deep historical roots, the entire park was officially classified as a protected monument in 1983.

  • Established in 1843

    1843Founding

    Antwerp Zoo was established on 21 July 1843. It is the oldest animal park in Belgium and remains one of the oldest zoos in the world.

  • Museum building inaugurated in 1844

    1844Construction

    The zoo's first director, Jacques Kets, conditioned his acceptance of the position on the creation of a museum for his nature-historical collections. This building was officially inaugurated in 1844 by King Leopold I.

  • Construction of Egyptian and antelope buildings

    1856-1861Architecture

    Notable architectural additions in the mid-19th century included the Egyptian temple built in 1856 and the Oriental-style antelope building constructed in 1861.

  • Hosted events for the 1920 Summer Olympics

    1920Milestone

    During the 1920 Summer Olympics, the zoo's zoology hall served as a venue for the boxing and wrestling events.

  • Post-war modernization efforts

    1946-1950Renovation

    Following World War II, the zoo underwent significant upgrades to align with modern scientific, educational, and aesthetic standards, including expanding animal compounds and increasing natural light.

  • Classified as a monument in 1983

    1983Heritage status

    The entire park, encompassing both its architecture and gardens, was officially classified as a monument on 1 January 1983.

ZOO Antwerpen FAQs: Practical Tips & Animal Etiquette

Planning a trip to ZOO Antwerpen in Antwerp but wondering if your pet poodle can tag along? While your furry friends must sit this one out, we have you covered with stroller rentals, convenient luggage lockers, and handy spots to warm baby bottles. Dive into our quick guide to get all your practical questions answered before you arrive!

What is the ZOO Antwerpen phone number?

The official phone number for ZOO Antwerpen is not provided in our current records.

Does ZOO Antwerpen have an online contact form?

ZOO Antwerpen utilizes a contact form for inquiries, but the direct website link is currently not available.

How do I contact ZOO Antwerpen customer service?

Direct customer service contact details and email addresses are not currently specified for ZOO Antwerpen.

How do you get to ZOO Antwerpen by public transport?

Specific public transport directions and nearest stations for ZOO Antwerpen are not provided in our current guide. Please check local transit planners for routes.

Planning Your Visit to ZOO Antwerpen

When planning a trip to ZOO Antwerpen in Antwerp, keeping a few key guidelines in mind can help ensure a smooth visit. For convenience, the site is easily accessible via nearby public transport options. Visitors should note that while service animals are welcome inside the grounds, standard pets are not permitted. Additionally, to protect the resident animals and their habitats, touching the animals or objects within their enclosures is strictly prohibited. It is also advisable to bring identification, as it may be requested under certain circumstances.

Visitor Fit and Expectations for ZOO Antwerpen

Located near the Central Station neighborhood of Antwerp, ZOO Antwerpen is well-suited for families, kids, and anyone with a keen interest in nature and conservation. The historic animal park offers visitors the opportunity to observe wildlife while learning about active scientific research and preservation efforts. To ensure the safety and welfare of the animals, guests are expected to follow guidelines that prohibit feeding, petting, or crossing barriers. While regular pets are not permitted inside, certified guide and service dogs are welcome to accompany their owners during the visit.

ZOO Antwerpen Photo Gallery and Visual Highlights

Preview your visit to ZOO Antwerpen in Antwerp through images of its grand historic entrance, adorned with golden lion mosaics and bronze eagles. Pictures showcase the park's unique blend of 19th-century architecture, relaxed terrace cafés, and lush animal habitats housing gorillas and tigers. This gallery offers a visual window into what visitors can expect from one of the world's oldest animal parks.

The grand entrance gate to ZOO Antwerpen featuring two stone pillars topped with winged statues, large lion mosaics, and flags flying above the iron gates.
Twin stone entrance gate towers of Antwerp Zoo topped with bronze eagle statues, featuring golden lion mosaic panels and iron gates with red flags flying against a blue sky.
Stone entrance pillar of Antwerp Zoo featuring a golden mosaic of a lion, JARDIN ZOOLOGIQUE inscription, bronze bird sculpture on a blue dome, red flag, ZOO logo, and Welkom welcome sign
Stone entrance gate of ZOO Antwerpen with a tiger mosaic panel, bronze bird sculpture on top, Jardin Zoologique inscription, and iron gates
Outdoor café terrace with large green umbrellas and wooden chairs and tables in front of a grand historic building topped with an equestrian statue at ZOO Antwerpen.
Taxidermied animal head with open mouth surrounded by blue morpho and brown butterflies in an artistic exhibition display
A baby gorilla sitting beside an adult gorilla in a zoo enclosure with thick ropes overhead and straw scattered on the ground
A large bird of prey flies over a wooden log fence in an outdoor enclosure with African buffalos, with a modern glass building in the background at ZOO Antwerpen.
A toddler reaches up to touch the snout of a bronze wild boar statue surrounded by white daffodils and orange tulips in a garden
Historical 1878 site map of the Société Royale de Zoologie d'Anvers showing the zoo grounds layout with paths, enclosures, buildings, and surrounding streets
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