General Terms and Conditions – ART ZOO
Welcome to the ART ZOO Museum (ART ZOO). We highly value a pleasant and safe experience for all our visitors. Therefore, we have drawn up the following general terms and conditions. By entering the museum or using our website, you agree to these terms.
ART ZOO is an exhibition of taxidermy art by the Vrije Academie (Vasari B.V.). The exhibition takes place at Herengracht 366 & 368, 1016 CH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Where these terms refer to ART ZOO, this also includes Vrije Academie (Vasari B.V.).
ART Zoo is one of the best museums in Amsterdam, a unique museum in the Netherlands, where taxidermy techniques are combined in a 17th century setting.
Version: June 2025
1. General
1.1 These general terms and conditions apply to all museum visitors, users of the website, students of the Vrije Academie, and all other visitors and users of the premises at Herengracht 366-368. These terms also apply during special activities outside regular opening hours and/or aimed at visitors other than the public, such as exclusive events, room rentals, catering, and similar.
1.2 The museum reserves the right to change these terms at any time. The most recent version is always available on our website.
2. Access, Conduct, and House Rules
2.1 All visitors must comply with the house rules.
2.2 Respect the artworks, exhibitions, building, and installations. Touching them is not allowed unless explicitly stated.
2.3 Access to the museum is only permitted with a valid admission ticket. Without one, access may be denied.
2.4 Admission tickets provide access only to the exhibition areas, not to other floors of the building. Clear signs indicate where the exhibition ends and classrooms or offices begin. Please respect these signs and barriers.
2.5 Be mindful of other visitors and building users. Noise or disruptive behavior is not allowed.
2.6 Staff may deny access to anyone not adhering to these terms, the house rules, or staff instructions.
2.7 Entering the museum under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not allowed.
2.8 Children under 12 must always be accompanied by an adult. The adult/teacher/guide is responsible for ensuring the child follows these terms and behaves appropriately. Adults are liable for any damage or injury caused by or to the child. Schools and accompanying adults are responsible for the conduct, actions, and safety of their group.
2.9 The following are not permitted:
Touching or damaging artworks
Bringing food or drinks into the museum
Bringing the following objects:
Weapons
Pointed or sharp objects
Explosive or flammable materials
Chemical or toxic substances
Bottles or containers with liquids, including water
Any object that could launch a projectile or cause injury/damage or appears capable of doing so
2.10 Items listed above may be confiscated during entry checks. Refusing to surrender them will result in denial of entry.
2.11 ART ZOO reserves the right to report the description of a visitor who damages or steals museum property to other museums and/or the police and judiciary. By entering the building, the visitor consents to the processing of personal data for this purpose.
2.12 In the case of criminal offenses such as theft, vandalism, or public disturbance, ART ZOO will file a report with the police.
2.13 Pets are not allowed in the museum.
2.14 Small bags are permitted. Umbrellas, suitcases, backpacks, and large items are not. Coats, umbrellas, and large bags/objects can be stored in designated areas.
2.15 Leaving items in the ART ZOO cloakroom is at your own risk. The cloakroom is accessible via a steep staircase, which you enter at your own risk.
2.16 Smoking is not allowed in the building.
2.17 ART ZOO may change opening hours and admission prices or close parts of the museum due to emergencies, renovations, repairs, events, or exhibition installations. In such cases of force majeure, no refunds will be issued.
3. Photo and Video Recordings
3.1 Photography is allowed, but without flash, selfie sticks, or tripods.
3.2 Professional photo or video equipment may only be used with written permission.
3.3 Commercial use of photos or videos taken in the museum is not allowed without written permission.
3.4 Content, including images taken with or without formal permission, remains the property of ART ZOO. By agreeing to the terms, you give ART ZOO permission to use your content for promotional purposes on its website, third-party promotional websites, or social media channels. ART ZOO may use, edit, copy, etc., your content without compensation. This applies globally and indefinitely.
3.5 ART ZOO may take photos or videos during your visit. If you do not formally object at the time, you may appear in this content and agree to its use. For children, consent will always be sought from a parent/guardian.
3.6 ART ZOO is not liable for unauthorized photos or videos of you or children taken by third parties.
4. Liability
4.1 The museum is not liable for damage, loss, or theft of personal belongings.
4.2 Visitors enter and remain in the museum at their own risk.
4.3 Visitors are financially liable for any damage they intentionally or negligently cause to the museum, the building, artworks, or others. Report any damage to reception or staff.
4.4 ART ZOO is not liable for injury or damage unless it is proven that the damage is directly attributable to ART ZOO and is covered by insurance or reasonably should have been insured. In that case, liability is limited to the insured amount.
4.5 If ART ZOO is found liable without insurance coverage, its liability is limited to €25,000 for direct/property damage and up to €250,000 in case of bodily injury or death.
4.6 ART ZOO is not liable for indirect damages such as lost profit, lost income, or missed savings.
4.7 ART ZOO is not liable for: a. Damage caused by third parties (including visitors) b. Damage due to the visitor’s own actions, such as not following staff instructions
4.8 ART ZOO is not liable for damage to deposited/stored items unless a fee was charged for storage.
4.9 ART ZOO is never liable for damages resulting from force majeure, including but not limited to riots, lack of parking, strikes, weather, fire, power outages, or non-functioning public transport.
4.10 These exclusions do not apply if the damage results from intent or gross negligence by ART ZOO or its management.
5. Lost and Found
5.1 Found items can be handed in at the bar or front desk.
5.2 ART ZOO keeps lost items for a maximum of two months.
5.3 The presumed owner must collect the item or request shipment at their own expense. Valid ID is required. ART ZOO may request proof of ownership.
6. Privacy Policy
6.1 The museum collects and processes personal data in accordance with applicable privacy laws. See our Privacy Policy for more information.
6.2 Cookies may be placed when using the website. See our Cookie Policy for details.
7. Tickets and Group Reservations
7.1 Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket desk. Changes or cancellations are subject to our cancellation policy.
7.2 Discounts and offers apply only during the promotional period and cannot be applied retroactively.
7.3 A reservation is required for groups of twelve (12) paying visitors or more. Reservations must be made via the website or by emailing mail@artzoo.com, including the number of visitors, contact person’s name and details, date, start time, and desired service.
7.4 Group Admission Conditions:
Groups must consist of at least 12 paying visitors (not eligible for free entry). Only the group representative needs to report to the ticket desk on the day of the visit with the confirmation email and payment method (if not paid online). Extra services can be purchased on-site depending on availability.
Groups arriving more than 15 minutes late are considered cancelled unless the next available time slot is open. Cancellations must be reported at least two (2) working days before the visit. Late cancellations are charged 100% of the agreed price.
7.5 Due to safety regulations, large groups must be split into smaller ones of no more than 20 people. ART ZOO reserves the right to deny entry to groups. The group organizer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms, house rules, and behavior expectations.
7.6 Group tickets may be changed up to two (2) working days before the scheduled visit by emailing mail@artzoo.com. Arrival delays of more than 15 minutes or no-shows are considered cancellations and are non-refundable unless the next time slot is available.
8. Force Majeure
8.1 The museum is not responsible for cancellations or changes due to force majeure, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, strikes, or technical issues.
9. Complaints and Refunds
9.1 Complaints under these terms or in general must be submitted via email to mail@artzoo.com within eight (8) working days after the planned or cancelled visit.
9.2 Complaints submitted after this period will not be considered.
9.3 ART ZOO will investigate and respond in writing within 30 days.
10. Emergencies
10.1 Follow staff instructions—they are there to ensure your safety and a pleasant experience.
10.2 In emergencies, follow the evacuation procedures indicated by staff, signs, and instructions.
11. Accessibility
11.1 Unfortunately, our building is not easily accessible for wheelchair users. Contact us to discuss available options.
11.2 Please note: the historic building has many steep stairs, steps, and thresholds. Caution is advised.
12. Governing Law
12.1 In any situation not covered by these terms, the management will decide.
12.2 Dutch law applies to these general terms and conditions.