Newdevelopments
Primeval Garden underway
Construction of our Primeval Garden commenced in early 2026. It is a place that is beautiful 365 days a year and different every day. The garden is free to visit for everyone: museum visitors, local residents and passers-by. The Primeval Garden is expected to open in the spring of 2027.
If you have any questions about the construction, please contact the Communications Department at communicatie@naturalis.nl.
Museum, collection and research activitiesbrought together
Based around the existing collection tower, an impressive building has emerged that is capable of housing the collection, the research activities and the museum under one roof. The expansion reflects the development of Naturalis into the national biodiversity center for the Netherlands.
A connectingbuilding
The Naturalis building was designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architecten (NRA). The mighty central hall is where the old building and new building meet. The architecture is inspired by natural shapes: honeycomb, cat’s eyes or do you see leaves? In a sea of light, comin from every angle, all functional areas of the new building come together in the atrium; collection, research and the museum. This is also the place where our staff, scientists, families and students meet. The building provides room for our growing collection and increasing numbers of visitors and scientists.
Sustainableexpansion
Thanks to our own geothermal heat pump system, sustainable ventilation, 100 percent LED lighting, solar panels, green roofs, an energy-friendly climate control system and gallery spaces with flexible layouts, Naturalis is ready to face the future.
Naturalmaterials
The building is characterised by the use of robust materials with a long lifespan: natural stone, oak, concrete, glass and steel. The natural ageing process will further enhance the character of these materials over the years.
Kunstbij Naturalis
In and around Naturalis, you can admire not only our natural history collection, but also the work of various artists and designers.
State-of-the-artresearch facilities
The new research facilities mean that Naturalis satisfies the highest standards for ground-breaking research into biodiversity. Every day, our research staff are hard at work using the latest techniques such as genetic research, 3D modelling and Artificial Intelligence, with the aim of contributing to facing the challenges that focus on the protection of the natural resources of our planet.
42 Millionplants, animals, rocks and fossils
Naturalis houses a natural history collection that has grown constantly since it was started in 1820. Thanks to digitalisation, collection data are now accessible that are essential for scientifically supported future scenarios for nature.
See our highlights (in Dutch)