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Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam

Incredible iconic building dedicated to celebrating science

Nemo Science Museum literally rises out of the River IJ. The design of the building is like a shipwrecked boats hull. You already feel like you are entering another world as you walk up to the museum and once inside it does not disappoint.

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Close to Central Station, you’ll see the amazing building rising up from the river before you as you approach the docks (Oosterdok2)

Where is the Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam

It is pretty easy to get to the Science Museum. We often use Central Station as our starting point when guiding visitors. From here you could happily take the short walk towards Oosterdok 2 (docks) following the signs to Oosterdok. You’ll see piers and ships as you approach and the building itself is pretty hard to miss. Close by to Nemo is Bimhuis and Muziekgebouw Take a tram or metro to Central Station if you are staying further into Amsterdam.

Visitor Address: NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam, Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX  Amsterdam

Tickets for Nemo Science Museum

The Amsterdam Science Museum gets pretty busy, so it is essential to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. If you have one of the discount tourist pass cards (like I amsterdam city card) you still need to book your ticket online in advance and show both at entry.

Prices at Science Museum in Amsterdam

4 years old and upwards: €17.50

0-3 year old: Free

Various passes allow free entry. These include Museumkaart, Amsterdam Stadspas, Amsterdam Passie, ICOM Card and the I amsterdam city card,

As you can see, if you have the popular I Amsterdam Card you can visit for free. Learn more about the I Amsterdam City Card.

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Nemo Science Museum Opening Times

The Science Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10am until 5.30pm. However there are times during the year when it is also open on Mondays. 

Monday openings

These coincide mainly with school holidays and for 2024 are as follows:

12, 19 February 

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 

6, 13, 20, 27 May

3, 10, 17, 24 June

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July

5, 12, 19, 26 August 

2 September

21, 28 October 

23, 30 December 

Closed

New Years Day and Kings Day 27 April 2024.

Night Museum Nemo Science Museum

Nemo Science Museum features in the annual Amsterdam Night Museum event. This takes place every year in November and you can visit over 60 museums after dark.

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What is at Nemo Science Museum?

The Amsterdam Science Museum explores the world through science. It is packed full of interactive activities for all ages and is a very popular attraction for families. Each year they add exhibitions to keep the museum offering new attractions.

Activities at Nemo Science Museum in Amsterdam

Humania is a new exhibition all about the human race with physical challenges, brain teasers and psychology helping you understand the human body and other related topics (recommended for age 12+)

Sensational Science explores the everyday that really is anything but. Look at light, sound and static electricity and create your own.

World of Shapes is all about mathematics and helping you use maths on the world around you.

Energetica is more important than ever as we explore ways to harness the power of nature. Discover wind, water and solar power on the roof of the museum (entrance is free).

Life in the Universe explores the universe and how it is made up and indeed where you come from too.

Laboratory lets you discover the chemist within, experimenting on household items to interesting effect.

Energise is similar to Energetica but is more interactive and lets you harness the power of nature to set objects in motion.

Water Power lets you create a dam and experiment with how to generate even more power.

Constructions. Ever wondered how bridges stay up or tall buildings don’t topple over, you’ll find answers here.

Science throughout the Ages shows you the history of science from first discoveries in the past up to the latest research.

Innovation Gallery looks at devices that have become iconic in their technological creation and use.

Maker Space allows you to become the creator. Be an inventor or artist.

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The roof at NEMO Science Museum

You do not need a ticket to the Science Museum to access the roof. It is freely accessible for everyone. This roof was designed to be like a piazza or city square, somewhere people can come together and enjoy nature, food and company.

On the roof there is the Energetica exhibition which focusses on wind and sun creating renewable energy. There is also the restaurant/cafe which serves food and drinks throughout the day. The views from up on the roof are really good and you can see across Amsterdam as well as enjoy looking along the River IJ and at the historic harbour.

Cascade

There is a lovely water feature on Nemo’s roof which flows through 30 pools and receptacles. This is a very popular attraction in its own right in the summer, especially for kids.

The roof is open the same days and times as the museum – 10am till 5.30pm.