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 19,500 artefacts 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) – ‘experience how science works’ – exhibitions: Sensational Science, Science throughout the Ages.

Technium (Level 2) – ‘unravel everyday technology’ – exhibitions: Design a Bicycle, Contemplation Container, Energy Mixer, Water Power.

Elementa (Level 3) – ‘learn about the building blocks of the cosmos’ – exhibitions: Life in the Universe, Laboratory.

Humania (Level 4) – ‘discover more about who you are’ – exhibitions: Humania  – aimed at children aged 12 or over.

Energetica (Level 5) – ‘play with energy’ – exhibitions: Energetica (exhibition with a renewable energy theme).

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.

In terms of food and drink there is a café on the 2nd floor and the museum restaurant located on the 5th floor at NEMO’s sloping roof terrace which offers panoramic views of Amsterdam. Note, the rooftop is closed for renovation until spring 2025.

The restaurant remains open to museum visitors during the renovation.

You can also consume your own food and drinks at designated 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

Last updated 8 January 2025. This article was first published in 2008 and has been regularly updated.

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