Exotarium - Entertainment for the whole family

Situated in the heart of the Dąbrowa Basin, Sosnowiec is a city full of surprising tourist attractions. One of the most interesting places to visit during your stay in Sosnowiec is the Exotarium - an oasis of exotic nature hidden in the urban jungle.

What is the Exotarium?

The Sosnowiec Exotarium, officially known as the Centre for Environmental Education, offers residents and tourists a unique combination of a botanical garden and a mini zoo in a modern facility. The botanical garden features a variety of flora displays, including special sections for tropical and subtropical plants, which can be admired in the palm house.

The facility is primarily home to many rare reptile and amphibian species. Amongst others, iguanas, turtles, boas and pythons can be found here, which can be observed in well-prepared terrariums that provide them with conditions close to their natural habitats. These exhibitions are not only fascinating in their diversity, but also teach respect and responsibility for the environment.

The entire facility has recently undergone a major refurbishment and upgrade, which has introduced spacious new aquariums, terrariums and both indoor and outdoor aviaries for the birds. Originally opened in 1956, the facility was closed and reconstructed in 2020, with the new facility opening in early December 2023. In its first two months of operation after reopening, the Exotarium received more than 61,000 visitors, a testament to its popularity and appeal. What's more, seniors and people with limited mobility can count on adequate facilities, making a visit to the exotarium a pleasure for everyone.

Thanks to an investment of almost PLN 64 million, the Exotarium has become a modern educational facility, also benefiting from renewable energy sources and rainwater harvesting systems, which underlines its ecological character.

Attractions and exhibitions

The main attraction of the Exotarium is certainly its inhabitants: from colourful birds to exotic reptiles. Rare species such as iguanas, boa snakes or exotic birds such as ara parrots or toucans can be found here. Each animal is presented here in a way that allows you to get to know its natural habitat, which is particularly valuable for the education of the youngest.

The facility regularly organises special events, such as night tours or themed educational workshops (creating your own forest in glass or seed mosaics), which allow you to immerse yourself even more deeply in the natural world. Special educational programmes have been developed for school groups, which are tailored to different learning levels and can be a great addition to school biology lessons.

In addition, the facility also offers the possibility to organise birthday parties enriched with guided tours or themed workshops.

Practical information for visitors

• Tickets to the Exotarium can be purchased both online and on site.
• A cloakroom is available at the facility.
• The facility is open from 9am to 7pm.
• Temperatures are high in the Exotarium, so remember to wear airy clothes and a bottle of water.

In summary, the Sosnowiec Exotarium is an excellent place for anyone interested in nature and environmental education. Its state-of-the-art installations, the combination of a botanical garden and a zoo, and its extensive educational programme make it a unique place to visit. The modernisation and expansion of the facility, completed in 2023, has significantly increased its attractiveness.
The Exotarium not only educates, but also inspires its visitors to reflect more deeply on the relationship between man and nature.

If you are just planning to come to Sosnowiec, be sure to check out the the offer of our hotel.