Do you travel with your children? Do you love science and technology? You’ll love visiting the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam!
What’s that strange building lining Amsterdam’s Oosterdok? Despite its verdigris ship-like silhouette, its name and its proximity to the National Maritime Museum, the building won’t tell you the legends of the seas and oceans… Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the NEMO is the country’s largest science and technology museum! Designed with children and teenagers in mind, the space is resolutely future-oriented. Five floors invite visitors to take part in scientific experiments thanks to interactive exhibits, films, plays, games and workshops. At NEMO, you’ll learn all sorts of fascinating things about the force of gravity, magnetism, the power of water and other strange everyday phenomena!
The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is also a unique place to admire the city from its panoramic roof. All the more reason not to miss a visit! To make your experience as enjoyable as possible, we’ve put together a handy guide for you. We’re off!
History of the Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam
The NEMO museum owes its origins to the painter Herman Heijenbrock, who created the Musée du Travail in 1923 to house his works on technology and work. At the time, fascinated by progress and industrialization, he helped to promote science and technology. However, due to a lack of funding, the site was not recognized on a national scale. After the Second World War, under the influence of a new director, the Labor Museum became the Netherlands Institute for Industry and Technology (INNT). Its aim? To encourage young people to work in industry and technology. Its exhibitions showcase the behind-the-scenes aspects of industry through photographs, products, models and diagrams. From 1979 onwards, the approach became more entertaining, and a science theater was set up to give children a taste for technology.
In 1997, the institute was renamed New Metropolis and opened its doors in a spectacular building on Amsterdam’s eastern docks, at the top of the IJ tunnel. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the building towers twenty-two meters above the sea, and itself appears to rise out of the water. Seen from the side, it resembles a ship moored to the dock. Its gently sloping silhouette evokes the bow of an ocean liner slashing across the water. In reality, the architect’s intention was also to mirror the entrance to the IJ tunnel. In 2000, the New Metropolis became Amsterdam’s NEMO Science Museum. The concept? To enable the general public to learn all about science by discovering it for themselves. To achieve this, it intends to develop exhibitions, experimental workshops, lectures for children, in-house and external events, and scientific TV programs.
What to see and do at the NEMO Science Museum
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De S-F
A visit to the NEMO Science Museum is a living experience, where the senses and the mind are constantly stimulated. The building’s five floors offer temporary exhibitions, fun activities and films to help visitors learn all about chemistry, technology and biology. Nearly seventeen thousand objects tell the story of mankind and energy in its broadest sense: from gramophones to walkmans, from antique dynamos to surge generators and now-defunct household appliances.
It’s all about interactivity and touch, which keeps kids and teens entertained without boring adults. In the chemistry lab, youngsters enjoy getting under the skin of the mad scientist. Wearing white lab coats and protective goggles, apprentice researchers discover the hidden properties of baking powder or vinegar by conducting their own experiments. They can also defy the laws of gravity, see their appearance aged by several decades or have fun with giant soap bubbles. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions, stop and reflect on the world around them. By testing physical phenomena for themselves, they understand how they work. As you can see, young visitors love this museum. Expect to spend longer than expected in this truly captivating place!
The founders of the NEMO museum had the good idea of offering a rooftop terrace. On sunny days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Amsterdam while sipping a drink or having lunch in the restaurant. There’s also an open-air exhibition on wind, water and solar energy. For the whole family, NEMO Summertime is the place to relax and picnic, even if you’re not a science buff. The waterfalls and pools designed by Renzo Piano make it the perfect place to cool off when the temperature rises. Access is possible without a museum ticket. More athletic visitors can take the stairs from the street. Finally, the Nemo Science Museum store in Amsterdam offers a range of interesting products from the world of science. You can buy books, calendars, games, etc. at your leisure.
How do I get to the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam?
The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam can be spotted from afar, with its intriguing shape and green color. It’s easy to reach from Central Station.
- On foot or by bike: once you leave the station entrance, turn left and follow the signs to » Oosterdok « .
- By bus: take line 22 and get off at » Kadijksplein« .
- By car: please note that parking lots are relatively expensive. However, the museum offers discounts on several parking lots, including » Markenhoven » (-25%) and » Waterlooplein » (-10%). Museum address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam. Show your parking ticket at the NEMO ticket office to benefit from the discount.
Museum NEMO opening hours & rates
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De Kiev.Victor
SCHEDULES
NEMO is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on certain Mondays (dates are updated on the museum website). The rooftop terrace is open every day, including Mondays and later on summer evenings. Closed on King’s Day.
RATES
- Adults: €17.50
- Children (under 4): free
- Students: €8.75
- I Amsterdam City Card holders: free of charge
Tip: to avoid queues, book your ticket online!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
– When is the best time to visit the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam?
If you want to enjoy the museum at a quieter time, come early in the morning, or outside school vacations. At weekends, Sundays are generally busier than Saturdays. And the better the weather, the quieter the museum!
– Can children visit the museum alone?
Unsupervised children aged 12 and over may enter the museum, but they may not supervise younger children. Younger children may enter the museum accompanied by persons aged 16 or over.
– What languages are the explanations available in?
English and Dutch.
– Is the museum wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the museum is wheelchair accessible, except for the roof terrace. The exhibits are also suitable for the visually impaired, and NEMO staff will tell you which rooms are most suitable. There are disabled toilets on several floors.
– Are strollers allowed?
Yes, and changing tables are also available.
– Is there a checkroom?
NEMO has lockers where you can leave your belongings.
– Are pets allowed?
No.