The forest of Suriname

Now in

Naturalis

On November 25, 1975, Suriname became an independent republic. To mark this anniversary, Naturalis is honoring Suriname's natural environment with an exhibition, events, and educational programs titled The forest of Suriname.

Exhibition
The forest of Suriname

The forest of Suriname Nature has a voice. Come and listen.

Suriname is the most forested country in the world. But the forest is under serious threat - the plants and animals that live there, and the people who live there. Indigenous people and Maroons have lived in the forest for centuries and have a unique…

Suriname through the lens of
Michelle Piergoelam

Admire the nature photos until May 31, 2026, in LiveScience.

Photo exhibition

Michelle Piergoelam (Rotterdam, Netherlands) is an art photographer who creates visual narratives based on cultural myths, history, and memories. Images that intertwine cultural traditions, stories, and landscapes. She consciously uses local stories to emphasize their cultural significance and thus allow us to experience culture and history.

More about Michelle Piergoelams work

Activities
throughout the year

Surinamese winter market

The holidays are coming! Time for cold noses, warm mittens, lights and carols. Our ground floor is completely decked out in a Surinamese and winter spirit, with cozy stalls where you can find your last-minute Christmas gifts or enjoy a fun activity. See…

Naturalis Nights: Suriname

This year, Naturalis Nights is all about Suriname. The program will be curated by Indigenous, Maroon, Creole, Hindustani, Javanese, and Chinese groups - represented by organizations like OSCAM, Black Archives, Patta, Rakesh Kanhai, Sherlien Sanchez, and…

Catalog
Suriname, bezielde natuur

The book (in Dutch) will be available from Wednesday, October 8 in the Naturalis museum shop and in various bookstores.

Suriname, bezielde natuur, written by Tolin Alexander and Marijke Besselink, highlights how the Surinamese forest is not only a magnificent ecosystem but also a living heritage steeped in rituals, stories, and wisdom: knowledge passed down through generations. Therefore, nature conservation is not only important from a scientific perspective but also a cultural and spiritual responsibility.

A tangible
souvenir

Starting this fall, you'll find even more books in our museum shop, including Op de rug van Bigi Kayman (On the back of Bigi Kayman) by Henna Goudzand Nahar. For the littlest ones, there are games and toys. You can also buy beautiful cards by artist Rinaldo Klas, jewelry by Inïrï Arts and Crafts, and textiles by Talking Prints.