Visiting the NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is the primary science and technology museum in Amsterdam, located at the Oosterdok (East Dock), just a short walk from Central Station. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the building resembles a massive ship, though the architect originally intended to mirror the shape of the IJ tunnel running beneath the structure. The NEMO Science Museum houses nearly 20,000 objects tracing the evolution of major scientific breakthroughs, including electricity, sound, and gravity. You will also find numerous interactive workshops that allow visitors of all ages to conduct scientific experiments firsthand.
The science and technology museum of Amsterdam
The origins of the NEMO Science Museum lie in the work of painter Herman Heijenbrock, who took a keen interest in the living conditions of 20th-century laborers and technological progress. In 1923, he opened a Labor Museum featuring objects from his era. Following World War II, the institution became the Dutch Institute for Industry and Technology. In 1997, it was rebranded as New Metropolis and moved to its current building along the Amsterdam docks. The museum officially adopted the name NEMO in 2000.
The NEMO Science Museum is spread across four floors of exhibitions plus a large rooftop terrace that offers views of the city. It welcomes approximately 650,000 visitors per year.
An immersion into international scientific discoveries
The institution collaborates closely with the research community. As a result, the collections and workshops are regularly updated based on the latest scientific advancements. The lecture program is organized and hosted by scientists. On-site, you can even sign up to participate in one of the many ongoing scientific studies coordinated by the museum.
Opening hours
*Information subject to change
Right by the train station, this science museum is a must-do with kids. For me, it is not really a museum in the strict sense. It is more about booths and small demonstrations, which are certainly interesting for introducing young people to science, but there are not really any collections to admire. We went with friends and we were disappointed by the visit.
Plus, the entrance fee is quite expensive, and you often have to wait in line to see the different experiments. My best memory is still the roof of the building, which offers a pretty view of the city. Be careful, the signs are only in English and Dutch. You will therefore have to translate for the kids.