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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 science museum amsterdam entrance
NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam – entrance

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.

nemo science museum amsterdam - entrance hall
NEMO Science Museum – ground floor entrance hall

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.

nemo science museum fenomena exhibit
NEMO – Fenomena (Level 1)

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.

nemo science museum elementa exhibit
NEMO – Elementa (Level 3)
nemo amsterdam elementa exhibit
NEMO – Elementa ‘Is This Life’  exhibit
nemo amsterdam lab
NEMO – Laboratory

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

nemo amsterdam humania exhibit
NEMO – Humania (Level 4)
nemo Science museum humainia exhibit
NEMO – Humania ‘Handstand’ exhibit

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

nemo amsterdam energetica
NEMO – Energetica (Level 5 roof terrace)

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

nemo science museum demonstration
NEMO Science Museum Amsterdam – demonstration

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

nemo science museum lockers
NEMO – lockers area (ground floor)
nemo science museum shop
NEMO – shop (ground floor)

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.

nemo science museum rooftop restaurant
NEMO – rooftop restaurant (Level 5)

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

NEMO Opening Hours

Open 10:00-17:30 (Tue-Sun); note, in 2025 it is also open 10:00-17:30 on Mondays between April and September plus on other Dutch school holidays.

NEMO Tickets & Admission

Entry to NEMO costs €21.50. Whilst children 0-3 get in for free, those 4 and over have to pay the full admission price. Museumkaart and I Amsterdam City Card holders get free entry.

Book NEMO Science Museum tickets here

Alternatively, order the I Amsterdam City Card online here which includes free entrance to NEMO.

How to Get to NEMO

NEMO is reached walking east from Amsterdam Central Station towards Oosterdok (15 mins walk). The green building is quite easy to spot.

By public transport take GVB bus 22 (direction Muiderpoort) or 48 (direction Houthavens) from the Central station IJ-side. Get out at stop Kadijksplein and walk 5-10 mins.

Address / Contact

NEMO Science Museum, Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam
T: +31(0)20 531 3233, nemosciencemuseum.nl

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

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