This large, well-maintained park was created in 1838 by the Natura Artis Magistra ("Nature, mistress of the arts") society, and takes its name from the organisation. The zoo is home to some 6000 animals (nearly 1200 species), including some magnificent specimens (Siberian tigers, polar bears). In the planetarium a Zeiss projector displays the movements of the stars on a giant screen. Finally a geological museum (Geologisch Museum) provides an overview of the history of the planet.