On 4 April, the exhibition Onderstebodem (Underground) will start in ARTIS-Groote Museum.

The exhibition reveals the hidden world beneath our feet. This underground world is full of life with an endless network of roots, fungi and other micro-organisms, but also of pipes, cables and pillars that together support Amsterdam. Our soil is more important than we think, and can even tell us how healthy our living environment actually is. Everyone can help to make the soil healthy. 

Crawl into the earth
To experience underground life yourself, as an exhibition visitor you literally crawl into the earth. This brings it upside down and makes the influence of the soil on urban existence visible. Because healthy soil contributes to biodiversity, climate adaptation and a healthy living environment. Think of worms that ensure less puddles of rainwater or trees that are less likely to blow over in healthy soil.
In addition to this interactive installation and an introductory film, the exhibition answers four specific questions: – What does the soil tell us about Amsterdam? – What lives in the soil? – Why is the soil important to you? -How do we ensure healthy soil? The answers can be found in the museum’s display cases.

The Groote Museum developed Onderstebodem together with the Academic Workshop Soil (AWB), which is a collaboration between the municipality of Amsterdam, Waternet and Naturalis.

Onderstebodem, the soil of Amsterdam, 4 April to 7 September 2025, ARTIS-Groote Museum, Artisplein