Naturalis Biodiversity Center breaks its visitor record again. Last year, the museum received 541.077 visitors. Of these, 51.496 were enrolled in educational programs as students in primary, secondary, or special education. The last visitor record, set in 2023, was 508.471.
“This is a milestone for Naturalis and a fantastic start to the new year. It is thanks to our staff that the museum is a place people enjoy visiting, where they feel welcome, and where a sense of wonder about nature takes center stage. This is also reflected in the 8.5 rating we receive from our visitors,” says museum director Marjolein van Breemen.
Highlightsof 2025
During Naturalis Nights on May 22nd, World Biodiversity Day, Naturalis attracted many young adults. On this day, the institute annually reflects on the importance of biodiversity. The family exhibition Triceratops: the herd was on display until the summer holidays. The world's only complete herd of triceratopses then embarked on an international tour, with the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi as its first stop. Just before the autumn holidays, the Leiden museum opened the temporary exhibition The forest of Suriname to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Suriname. In LiveScience, the freely accessible gallery, researchers and collection managers did their work daily before visitors' eyes. More than 80 specimens, primarily of birds, such as barn owls and kingfishers, were on display. Some 200 experts were in the spotlight, telling visitors about their work and answering all their questions. Dozens of natural finds were also examined during 'Natuur op spreekuur'.
The 51.496 students and their caregivers followed school programs that align with the curriculum of primary and secondary education. Naturalis' mission is to accelerate understanding of biodiversity and encourage society to cherish the natural world. Everyone, from toddlers to young adults, can visit Naturalis to discover more about nature.
Preview2026 and beyond
"Our museum visitors have a lot to look forward to in 2026," says Van Breemen. "On Saturday, March 21st, we're organizing an evening program at The forest of Suriname. With guest curators, we'll explore themes such as collecting collections in colonial times, Suriname's biodiversity, and spirituality in Surinamese culture. We're also working on a new exhibition this year, opening in April 2027. There, we want to show our visitors how important biodiversity is to human survival. The Primeval garden, Naturalis's backyard, is also expected to be completed in the spring of 2027. This 'living museum hall' offers ample space to play, stroll, and enjoy the greenery. I'm also pleased that Naturalis P+R will be open soon and that our museum restaurant will be refurbished before summer. These practicalities also - or perhaps especially - ensure a pleasant visit. We look forward to wonderful encounters with our visitors in 2026," concludes Van Breemen.
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