Overview
Located just a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station, the NEMO Science Museum is a bold, green, ship-shaped building that instantly catches your eye. Designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, NEMO is not just a museum — it’s an adventure into the world of science and discovery.
Inside, five floors of interactive exhibits invite visitors to touch, build, test, and explore. From understanding how lightning forms to constructing bridges, generating renewable energy, or diving into the human brain, NEMO makes science come alive for all ages.
Since its opening in 1997, NEMO has become one of the Netherlands’ most popular museums, attracting over 750,000 visitors annually. It’s an inspiring destination that proves science can be both educational and entertaining. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or on your own, NEMO offers a playful, hands-on experience that sparks curiosity and creativity.
What to Expect
The museum is divided into themed sections spread over five interactive floors — each filled with activities and experiments designed to make you think, laugh, and learn.
Top experiences include:
- Science Throughout the Ages – Explore inventions that changed the world and try them yourself.
- Humania – Discover how the human body works through fun and surprising experiments.
- Energetica – An outdoor exhibition on the rooftop showing how wind, sun, and water generate energy.
- World of Shapes – Learn how geometry, structures, and balance influence design and construction.
- Laboratory Zone – Mix your own reactions, study chemistry up close, and feel like a real scientist!
NEMO is famous for its hands-on philosophy — there are no “do not touch” signs here. Every exhibit encourages participation, making it perfect for children and adults alike.
Finish your visit on the museum’s rooftop terrace, where you’ll find an open-air café, art installations, and one of the best panoramic views of Amsterdam’s skyline.
