Micropia

Did two-thirds of all life on Earth just wave at you? Probably. Here at Micropia, Amsterdam’s unique microbe museum, you’re about to enter a world teeming with the unseen. Micropia, part of the Artis Royal Zoo complex, opened in 2014. It’s the first museum dedicated entirely to the often-overlooked world of microorganisms. Micropia doesn’t need a massive building to house its inhabitants. These tiny life forms reside within microscopes, ready to reveal their fascinating secrets. One of my favorite parts of Micropia is the exhibit featuring the tardigrade, also known as the water bear. These microscopic creatures are incredibly resilient, able to survive extreme conditions. They even lay their eggs inside their molted skin. The museum also has these larger-than-life tardigrade statues, perfect for a photo op. Micropia even highlights the microscopic inhabitants of our own bodies. As Ed Yong describes in his book “I Contain Multitudes,” even your eyelashes are home to a diverse ecosystem. The museum brings this to life. Even the elevator ride into Micropia is an experience. The mirrored ceiling transforms into a zoomed-in view of microscopic life. It’s a thrilling introduction to the world awaiting you. Inside, the live lab provides a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists cultivate and maintain the microbe displays. You can see how the organisms on display are kept alive. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of microbiology. Micropia’s interactive exhibits make learning about microbes fun and engaging. For example, the Kiss-O-Meter estimates the number of microbes exchanged during a kiss. It’s a playful way to demonstrate the invisible connections between us. Remember that “tree of life” graphic at the entrance? It showcases the interconnectedness of all living organisms. It reminds us that microbes play a vital role in our planet’s ecosystems. Micropia’s message is clear: microbes aren’t just germs to be feared. They are essential to life as we know it.