Are you travelling with your children? Do you like science and technology? You will love to visit the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam!
What is this strange building that borders the Oosterdok in Amsterdam? Despite its silhouette of a green-grey ship, its name and its proximity to the National Maritime Museum, the building will not tell you the legends of the seas and oceans... Designed by architect Renzo Piano, NEMO is the largest museum of science and technology in the country! Thought for children and adolescents, its space is resolutely turned towards the future. Five floors invite visitors to participate in scientific experiments through interactive exhibitions, films, plays, games and workshops. At NEMO, you will learn a lot of exciting things about the strength of gravity, magnetism, the power of water and other strange phenomena of everyday life!
The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is also a unique place to admire the city from its panoramic roof. One more reason not to miss his visit under any pretext! In order for this experience to be the best possible, we have concocted a small practical guide. Here we go!
History of the Nemo Scientific Museum in Amsterdam
The NEMO Museum is home to the painter Herman Heijenbrock which created in 1923 the Museum of Labour, intended to host its works on technology and work. At the time, fascinated by progress and industrialization, it contributes to highlighting science and technology. However, the place is not recognized at the national level, owing to the lack of resources allocated. After the Second World War, under the influence of a new director, the Labor Museum becomes the Dutch Institute for Industry and Technology (INNT). His purpose? Encourage young people to work in the industrial and technological sectors. His exhibitions present the scenes of the industry through photographs, products, models and diagrams. Starting in 1979, the approach is fun and a scientific theatre is set up to give the taste of technologies to children.
In 1997, the Institute took the name of New Metropolis at the same time as it opened its doors in a spectacular building located on the docks of eastern Amsterdam, at the top of the IJ tunnel. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano , the building culminates at twenty-two meters above the sea and seems to come out of the water itself. Given profile, he looks like a ship moored at the dock. Its soft sloping silhouette evokes the prowes of a boat slitting the water plan with its shrub. In reality, the architect’s desire was also to represent the entrance of the IJ tunnel in mirror. Starting in 2000, the New Metropolis became the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. His concept? Allow the general public to know everything about science by discovering it by themselves. To this end, he intends to develop exhibitions, experiment workshops, children’s conferences, intra and extra-muros events, scientific television programmes.
What to see and do at the NEMO Scientific Museum?
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De S-F
Visiting the NEMO Science Museum is a living experience, where the senses and spirit of the visitor are constantly stimulated. ♪ five floors the building offers temporary exhibitions, playful activities and films to acquire all kinds of knowledge in chemistry, technology and biology. Close to 17 thousand objects The history of man and energy in his broadest sense is that from the gramophone to the walkman, from the ancient dynamo to the surge generator, to the household appliances of today’s disappeared.
Everything is focused on interactivity and touch, which amuses children and adolescents, without annoying adults. Young people are happy to put themselves in the skin of the mad scientist Chemistry Laboratory . In white blouse and with protective glasses, apprentices discover the hidden properties of chemical yeast or vinegar by conducting their own experiments. They can also challenge the laws of gravity, see their ageing appearance of several decades or have fun with giant soap bubbles. Visitors are asked questions, stop and think about the world around them. By testing physical phenomena by themselves, they understand how they work. You will have understood it, the young crowd of this museum. Wait for longer than expected in this truly captivating place!
The founders of the NEMO Museum had the right idea to propose a terrace on the roof . In the beautiful days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Amsterdam by sipping a glass or having lunch at the restaurant. You will also find an open-air exhibition on the energy produced by the wind, water or sun. As a family, the NEMO Summertime is a place where you can relax and picnic, even if you are not a scientist. The waterfalls and watersheds designed by Renzo Piano make it the perfect place to cool off when the temperature climbs. Access is possible without a ticket to the museum. The most athletes can take the stairs from the street. Finally, Nemo Science Museum shop in Amsterdam offers a range of interesting products on the scientific world. You can access it freely to buy books, calendars, games, etc.
How to go to the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam?
The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is located from a distance, with its intriguing shape and green color. From the central station, it is easy to reach the place.
- On foot or by bike : once you leave the entrance of the station, you have to turn left and follow the signs direction “ Oosterdok »
- By bus : take line 22 and go down to "Kadijksplein“
- By car : know that parking lots have a relatively high cost. However, the museum offers discounts on several parking lots, including "Markenhoven(- 25%) and "Waterlooplein(- 10%) Museum address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam. Show the parking ticket to the NEMO ticket office to benefit from the discount.
Prices of the NEMO Museum
Photo credit: Shutterstock / De Kiev.Victor
HORARI
NEMO is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. , except some Mondays (dates are updated on the museum site ). The roof terrace is accessible every day including Monday and later in the summer evenings. Closure of the place at the King's Day.
RATES
- Adults : 17,50
- Children (less than 4 years old) : free
- Students : 8,75 €
- Card holders I Amsterdam City Card : free
Council : to avoid queues, book your entry ticket online!
MATTERS
- What are the best times to visit the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam?
If you want to enjoy the museum at a quieter hour, come early in the morning or off school holidays. On weekends, Sundays are usually more frequent than Saturdays. Also know that the more beautiful it is, the more calm the museum is!
- Can children visit the museum alone?
Children aged 12 and older unattended may enter the museum, but they cannot supervise younger children. They can enter the museum accompanied by persons aged 16 or over.
- What languages are the explanations available?
English and Dutch.
- Is the museum suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Yes, the place is accessible to wheelchairs, except the roof terrace. Exhibitions are also suitable for visually impaired people, NEMO agents will tell you what are the most appropriate parts. There are several-storey toilets for disabled people.
- Are the strollers allowed?
Yes. There are also changing tables.
- Is there a dressing room?
The NEMO has locked lockers to deposit its business.
- Are animals allowed?
No.
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