Natura Artis Magistra (Latin for "Nature is the teacher of art"), commonly known just as Artis (), is a zoo and botanical garden in the centre of Amsterdam. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and fifth oldest zoo in the world that is still operating.
In addition to the zoo, Artis also contains an aquarium, a planetarium, an arboretum, Micropia, and the ("big museum" in Dutch). A part of the art collection is on display in the aquarium building of the zoo. Artis contains 27 historically significant (listed) buildings, bridges, and ponds, most of which are still used as animal enclosures.
The zoo is a member of the Dutch Zoo Federation (NVD), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), Species360, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the (NVBT).
History
thumb|Litho of the zoo's founders J.J. Wijsmuller, G.F. Westerman, and J.W.H. Werlemann from 1888
thumb|Postcard of the monkey cage in 1908
The zoo was founded in 1838 by three zoology enthusiasts, Gerard Westerman, J.W.H. Werlemann and J.J. Wijsmuller (also known as the three Ws). It was initially open only to members. Starting in 1851 it was opened to the public during the month of September.
Historic buildings
thumb|Aquarium building in 2012
Artis includes 27 historic buildings. The aquarium was built in 1882 on land leased from the city on condition that only a museum ever be built on it. The library dates back to 1867 and the building the 'Ledenlokalen' on the right side of the main entrance dates back to the 19th century as well.
The wolf house (formerly an inn), and the Masman Garden House which now houses scarlet ibis were both on the site before the zoo was established.
The library is part of the special collections of the University of Amsterdam.
Gallery
<gallery widths=180>
File:Artis-turtles-Photo-by-Persian-Dutch-Network-2006.jpg|Aldabra tortoises at Artis
File:Artis-camel-Photo-by-Persian-Dutch-Network.jpg|Camels at Artis
File:Artis-aquarium-Photo-by-Persian-Dutch-Network2006.jpg|Artis aquarium
File:Southern Crowned Pigeon in Artis, 2006.jpg|Crowned pigeons at Artis
File:ARTIS-Zoo-Amsterdam-Photo-by-Persian-Dutch-Network.JPG|There are no longer any orangutans at Artis
File:Tomistoma schlegelii at Artis, Amsterdam Zoo, 2006.jpg|Crocodiles at Artis
File:Artis Zoo - Amsterdam, Holland.jpg|Dreams - A rock facade in Artis
File:Sea-Lion-bronze-sculpture-by-Anthony-Smith-at-Natura-Artis-Magistra.jpg|Bronze sea lion sculpture by Anthony Smith at Artis
</gallery>