NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam

NEMO Science Museum is a science and technology museum located in one of Amsterdam’s most renowned buildings. Book NEMO Science Museum tickets here

NEMO is great for both kids and adults alike, with exhibitions academically designed in order to inspire and actively stimulate the mind.

NEMO is a striking green building sited on top of the IJ river car tunnel. The sloping copper-cladded structure creates a transition between the city centre and Amsterdam’s harbour – although to some observers it looks like a ship’s hull.

Opened in 1997, NEMO was designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano whose other work includes Pompidou Centre (Paris), Potzdammer Platz (Berlin) and the Shard (London).

NEMO has a collection of around 20,000 objects which tell the broad story of humanity and energy. The core collection is particularly focussed on lighting, electrical engineering, energy generation/storage and early 20th century home technology.

Spread over 5 floors, there are a number of fascinating science-themed exhibitions with plenty of hands-on equipment.

The permanent exhibits at NEMO currently on show are named and themed as follows:

Fenomena (Level 1)

Exhibit highlights include make your own gigantic bubbles, a gyroscopic spinning chair, chairlifts with pulleys, Nikola Tesla’s Lightning globe and fun with a reverse mirror.

Technium (Level 2)

Exhibition includes a tennis ball moving machine, design a green T-shirt, drawing your ideal bicycle plus exhibits on water, energy and waste.

Elementa (Level 3)

Exhibition themes includes amino acids, space and the solar system.

Humania (Level 4)

Exploration of humanity aimed at children 12+(themes such as body, sex/sexuality and death). Activities here include body positions, breathing and relaxation chair and a willpower game.

Rooftop Square (Level 5)

NEMO’s sloping rooftop square has a green theme with wildlife-friendly plants and solar panels. It offers panoramic views over the city.

There are several entertaining shows, demonstrations and lab projects everyday. Exhibits are labelled in Dutch and English.

Facilities on the ground floor include a large locker area and the museum shop.

Food and drink is well catered at the museum:

• A Coffee bar on the 1st floor
• A Museum Café on the 2nd floor.
• The main Museum Restaurant and Conservatory Bar with outdoor terrace is on the rooftop square.
• A small Kiosk with terrace is on the lower part of the rooftop square, though it is closed in bad weather.

You can also consume your own food and drinks at a number of designated seating areas.

NEMO is a fascinating museum housed in a spectacular building. With its interactive exhibits it makes for a fun visit and is great for children. It is popular with both local and international school groups so it is usually quite busy and ‘high energy’ so some patience may be required!

NEMO Science Museum Essential Info

This article was first published in 2008. Last checked and updated 17 June 2026.

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