Rensenpark: from zoo to creative city park

Rensenpark is a unique place in the heart of Emmen. This site was once the Noorder Zoo, but since the zoo moved to WILDLANDS in 2016, it has been transformed into a vibrant city park filled with art, culture, and creativity.

The legacy of the old zoo continues

The layout of the park still clearly reflects the old zoo. You can still see features such as the elephant island, the savannah, and the winding paths. The former animal enclosures are now rented out to artists and creative or cultural entrepreneurs. Every three months, an artist receives the key to the space called “Zookeeper.” The artist works in the space three to four days a week, inspiring visitors with their art. During the final two weeks, a presentation is held to showcase their work.

Street art in the old elephant enclosure

Thirty-five (inter)national street art and graffiti artists have transformed the old elephant enclosure with colorful artworks. Amateur painters and volunteers recreated The Night Watch in the Savannah Stable. During the painting process, more than 50,000 visitors came to watch the artists at work and admire the painting.

Discover it yourself

Rensenpark is no ordinary city space. It’s a park full of stories, encounters, and inspiration. Whether you come to walk, discover art, or simply recharge, there’s room here—for you, for ideas, for Emmen.