WHAT'S ON DISPLAY?
Art Zoo Museum, housed in one of the most enchanting 17th-century canal houses, is a tribute to the animal kingdom and nature. In this oasis in the heart of Amsterdam, the breathtaking taxidermy art of Darwin, Sinke & Van Tongeren takes on an almost theatrical dimension. Feathers gleam, muscles are taut, eyes seem to follow you with interest. From enormous aviaries, you gaze into a world where animals reign supreme: timeless still lifes with the grandeur of Dutch Masters. From colourful birds and winding snakes to imposing crocodiles and a T. rex – it's as if they could spring to life at any moment.
Art Zoo Museum is one of the most extraordinary museums in the Netherlands. This modern, artistic Cabinet of Curiosities invites contemplation, admiration, and wonder. Each room is a tableau vivant.
Allow yourself to be carried away in a sensory experience that both moves and inspires. Art Zoo Museum is not a place you visit — it is a place you experience.
WHO IS ART ZOO MUSEUM FOR?
Art Zoo is a contemporary art museum in Amsterdam. It's for anyone who wants to be enchanted. Art Zoo Museum offers a visual experience suitable for a wide audience, regardless of age, background, or interests. You don't need to be an art expert or nature enthusiast to enjoy what the museum has to offer.
ABOUT THE CANAL HOUSE
Art Zoo Museum is located in one of Amsterdam's most beautiful 17th-century canal houses: The Cromhout Houses. The building is owned by Stadsherstel. In addition to the art exhibition, visitors to Art Zoo Museum can enjoy a wonderful bar, two historical kitchens, and a stunning monumental courtyard garden.
The Cromhout Houses were built between 1660 and 1662 for merchant Jacob Cromhout by Philips Vingboons, one of the most renowned 17th-century architects. The oval of the spectacular blue Rococo staircase in the centre of the building is one of its striking features. Equally impressive are the ceiling paintings of Jupiter and the Gods and Apollo and the Four Seasons, which are respectively the first and last ceiling paintings by Jacob de Wit (1695-1754).
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Darwin, Sinke & Van Tongeren consists of Jaap Sinke and Ferry van Tongeren, two Dutch artists who have worked as taxidermists since 2011. They use traditional taxidermy techniques to pay tribute to the beauty of extraordinary animals and raise awareness about the vulnerability of biodiversity. Like their major sources of inspiration, 17th-century Dutch Masters such as d'Hondecoeter, Asselijn, Weenix and Snijders, they are known for their realistic and dramatic representations of the natural world. In 2015, the duo gained international recognition when artist Damien Hirst acquired a large portion of their collection for his Murderme collection. Since then, their work has been featured in private collectors' collections and museums including the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Allard Pierson, Naturalis and Teylers Museum.
Interested in the works of Darwin, Sinke & Van Tongeren?
Mail to info@finetaxidermy.com
OUR TEAM
Eva Krook
Managing Director
Art Zoo Museum
Peter van Duinen
Director
Vrije Academie
Curator & Creator
Darwin Sinke & Van Tongeren
Jaap Sinke
Curator & Creator
Darwin Sinke & Van Tongeren
Ferry van Tongeren
Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Art Zoo Museum
Aricia Ritman
Project manager
Art Zoo Museum
Anna Sinke
Photography: Krijn van Noordwijk
ORGANISATION
Art Zoo Museum is a private museum. It was established on the initiative of the Vrije Academie, in collaboration with the artistic collective Darwin, Sinke & Van Tongeren. For 35 years, Vrije Academie has been making art and culture accessible to the general public through its courses, lectures and trips, and is active throughout the Netherlands.
Vrije Academie is part of Amerborgh International N.V.